Methods and systems for providing power

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are described for providing power. A system comprising a generator, an inverter, and a battery can be used to provide power. The system can also comprise a transfer switch. The system can provide power to another device.

BACKGROUND

Generally, electrical power is needed to control most functions within acommercial industrial plant/facility. Further, these plants andfacilities have critical safety functions that must be maintained in theevent of a loss of electrical power to avoid safety degradation ordamage. For example, during postulated accident scenarios nuclear powerplants need certain systems to continuously maintain power to safelyshut the plant down and avoid the potential for core damage. As anotherexample, industrial chemical plants need to maintain control of criticalchemical process to avoid explosions and/or chemical spills. Thus, manycommercial industrial plants/facilities require backup generators thatprovide emergency power to large portions of plant/facility equipment incase of a loss of normal electrical supply power. However, for many ofthese plants/facilities', emergency backup power is needed for variouscritical smaller electrical loads that operate at a range of AC and DCvoltages and currents to control, operate, and monitor the mostimportant critical equipment to facilitate safe shutdown and avoid largescale accident and damage. During these loss of power events time is ofthe essence and it is imperative to restore power to these criticalsmaller electrical loads as quickly and simply as possible to mitigatethe event and minimize any damage caused by loss of power.

For example, during extreme accident scenarios and natural disasterevents nuclear power plants have specific time requirements thatelectrical power must be returned to critical equipment (e.g., equipmentthat provides critical cooling functions to prevent damage or escalatingthe event). During extreme accident scenarios if the critical equipmentloses offsite grid power and the installed backup generators also fail,a nuclear power plant may have a very short time frame, as in a matterof hours, before severe damage to the facility occurs. This scenario wasexemplified in the 2011 Fukushima-Diachi earthquake and resultantnuclear accident. Therefore, there is a critical need to ensure thatnuclear power plants do not go without main or backup emergency power totheir critical safety equipment for a certain number of hours.

While nuclear power plants are designed with emergency backup powersystems utilizing one or more large installed generators, theinstallations are complex and difficult to maintain, have limited fuelsupply for prolonged events, and the installed large backup generatorinstallations may be impacted in a natural disaster or hampered by anextended loss of electrical grid event. To address this concern, the USNuclear Industry and U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission implemented aDiverse and Flexible Mitigation Capability (“FLEX”) strategy to ensurethat nuclear power plants receive power beyond their main and installedemergency power systems in a case of an extended loss of power event.Generally, the FLEX strategy provides for a third form of emergencypower through large portable machinery and power generators that nuclearpower plants can utilize in case of an extended loss of power.Additional FLEX equipment is dispersed throughout the United States instrategic locations to service as many nuclear power plants as possible,while at the same time ensuring that a natural disaster does not damagemore than one FLEX storage location. However, the FLEX strategy isextremely expensive to maintain, somewhat complex to implement during anextreme event, and could experience a significant delay in mobilizingFLEX equipment to provide power to the nuclear facilities during a verylarge-scale natural disaster event or terrorist type event affectingregional or national power grids. Furthermore, the FLEX equipment isdesigned to provide power to the entire nuclear power plant (e.g., justlike a large backup generator), and not just target critical pieces ofequipment that need power to maintain the safety of the nuclear powerplant. For example, a nuclear power plant may only need to provide powerto three (3) pieces of equipment and/or components to maintain thesafety of the core, while the rest of the nuclear power plant can safelyremain without power.

Accordingly, there is a long felt need in the nuclear power industry tobe able to provide emergency power response in a much more quick andefficient manner to the most critical pieces of equipment. Thus, theneed for a targeted, quick response backup power for critical equipmentin the nuclear plant and in other commercial plant/facilities isevident. These long felt needs are addressed by the disclosure herein.Specifically, the exemplary embodiments herein provide several systemsand methods for rapidly deploying a portable power device to restorepower to critical smaller electrical loads (both AC and DC power),regardless of status of industrial plant's/facility's main or installedbackup up power source or distribution system. These system's andmethod's not only supply a targeted third tier backup power source butprovide a means for prolonged power in the most severe accident andnatural accident scenarios and can be applied for a variety offacilities and industrial plants.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that both the following general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive. Provided are systems, apparatuses, and methodsfor protecting various critical instrumentation and control circuits, aswell as power circuits, when a primary power source fails (e.g., isdisrupted).

In an exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a generator, a rectifier,a battery, and a distribution hub. The generator can provide power tothe rectifier. The rectifier can be an Alternating Current (AC) toDirect Current (DC) inverter and/or a DC to AC converter. The rectifiercan provide power received from the generator to the battery, as well asthe distribution hub. Additionally, the rectifier can receive power onlyfrom the supplied battery and provide the power received from thebattery to the distribution hub. The distribution hub can distribute thepower to one or more power providing devices.

In another exemplary embodiment, a system comprises a generator, atransfer switch, a rectifier, a battery, and a control module. Thegenerator can provide power to the transfer switch. The transfer switchcan provide power to the rectifier and the control module. The rectifiercan be an AC to DC inverter and/or a DC to AC converter. The rectifiercan provide power received from the transfer switch to the battery, aswell as the control module. Additionally, the rectifier can receivepower from the battery and provide the power received from the batteryto the transfer switch and the control module. The control module canoutput the power received from the transfer switch. The control modulecan have two or more DC outputs. The control module can have two or moreAC outputs.

In another exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises a battery, arectifier, a variable frequency drive, and a reversing contactor. Thebattery can provide power to the rectifier. The rectifier can be an ACto DC inverter and/or a DC to AC converter. The rectifier can providepower to the variable frequency drive and can provide control power toanother device. The variable frequency drive can receive the AC powerfrom the rectifier and convert the AC power to three-phase AC power. Thevariable frequency drive can provide the three-phase AC power to areversing contactor switch, which can modify the polarity of thethree-phase AC power. The reversing contactor switch can provide thethree-phase AC power to an output.

Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description whichfollows or can be learned by practice. The advantages will be realizedand attained by means of the elements and combinations particularlypointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, show examples and together with thedescription, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system for providing power;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providingpower;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providingpower;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providingpower;

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providingpower;

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providingpower;

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for providingpower; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a block diagram of an example computing device forproviding power.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, itis to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited tospecific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations.It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for thepurpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to belimiting.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” oneparticular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When sucha range is expressed, another example includes from the one particularvalue and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another example. It willbe further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges aresignificant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently ofthe other endpoint.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesexamples where said event or circumstance occurs and examples where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal example. “Such as” is not used in arestrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Described herein are components that may be used to perform thedescribed methods and systems. These and other components are describedherein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets,interactions, groups, etc. of these components are described that whilespecific reference of each various individual and collectivecombinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly described,each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methodsand systems. This applies to all examples of this application including,but not limited to, steps in described methods. Thus, if there are avariety of additional steps that may be performed it is understood thateach of these additional steps may be performed with any specificexample or combination of examples of the described methods.

The present methods and systems may be understood more readily byreference to the following description of preferred examples and theexamples included therein and to the Figures and their previous andfollowing description.

The methods and systems are described below with reference to blockdiagrams and flowcharts of methods, systems, apparatuses and computerprogram products. It will be understood that each block of the blockdiagrams and flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and flowcharts, respectively, may be implemented by computerprogram instructions. These computer program instructions may be loadedonto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions which execute on the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functionsspecified in the flowchart block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readableinstructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchartblock or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loadedonto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process suchthat the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in theflowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowcharts supportcombinations of means for performing the specified functions,combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and programinstruction means for performing the specified functions. It will alsobe understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowcharts, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, may beimplemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems thatperform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of specialpurpose hardware and computer instructions.

Described herein is a rapidly deployable portable battery powered backuppower system providing targeted AC and DC control, indication and systemsupply power for a variety of critical systems and components. Therapidly deployable portable battery powered backup emergency powersystem is designed for prolonged operation with an integrated backupuninterruptable generator power system. The rapidly deployable portablebattery powered backup emergency power system may be configured forprolonged operation such as for up to 30, 60, 90 days of operation andthe like.

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary system 100 for providing power. Asshown in FIG. 1A, the system 100 has a control module 102, a battery104, a transfer switch 106, and an inverter 108. In an exemplaryembodiment, the system 100 is coupled with a cart 110 such that thesystem 100 is a portable system.

The control module 102 can have an input/output interface (I/O), aninterface, one or more outputs 103, an auxiliary port, switches, and soforth. The I/O can allow the control module 102 to communicate with oneor more devices. The I/O can include any type of suitable hardware forcommunication with devices. For example, the I/O can include directconnection interfaces such as Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB),as well as wireless communications, including but not limited to, Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, cellular, Radio Frequency (RF), and so forth. The controlmodule 102 can provide power to the output 103 of the control module102. For example, the control module 102 can receive power from at leastone of the transfer switch 106 and/or the inverter 108, and the controlmodule 102 can provide the received power on the output 103 to power oneor more devices. As an example, one or more cables can be connected tothe output 103 to couple the control module 102 to the one or moredevices, and the control module 102 can provide the one or more devicespower via the one or more cables connected to the output 103. Thecontrol module 102 can be removable from the cart 110 and still remainfunctional. For example, the control module 102 can be relocated adistance away from the cart 110, and the control module 102 can becoupled to the system 100 via one or more cables (e.g., the electricalconnection 112 c) coupled to the control module 102.

The battery 104 can be one or more batteries configured to store power,as well as provide the stored power. The battery 104 can provide DCpower. The battery 104 can have an associated voltage, such as a 12 V,24 V, 48 V, 125 V, 250 V, 400 V, etc. battery. Further, the battery 104can have an output current. For example, the battery 104 can output 5 A,50 A, 150 A, 300 A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 104 canbe a 12 V battery with a rated output of up to 150 A. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the battery 104 can be a 24 V battery with a ratedoutput of up to 300 A. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the battery 104 can be a battery with any voltage and/or currentcharacteristics.

The battery 104 can be any battery, such as rechargeable batteries ornon-rechargeable batteries. The battery 104 can be a Lithium Ion (Li+)battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo)battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 104 comprisesan auxiliary output. The auxiliary output can be capable of receivingand/or providing DC power to another device. For example, an apparatuscapable of running on DC power can be coupled to the battery 104 toreceive power from the battery 104. As an example, a light can becoupled to the battery 104. As another example, an apparatus capable ofproviding DC power can be coupled to the 104. As an example, amaintenance battery charger can be coupled to the battery 104 to chargethe battery 104.

The battery 104 can be one or more batteries configured to store powerfrom the inverter 108. For example, the battery 104 can receive powerfrom the inverter 108 via an electrical connection and store the powerfrom the inverter 108. Stated differently, the inverter 108 can chargethe battery 104 via the electrical connection. Additionally, the battery104 can provide power to the inverter 108. For example, the battery 104can discharge (e.g., provide power) to the inverter 108 via theelectrical connection. Accordingly, the battery 104 is capable ofreceiving power from the inverter 108, as well as providing power to theinverter 108.

The transfer switch 106 can comprise any switch capable of switchingbetween two or more power sources. For example, the transfer switch 106can receive power from a generator (not shown) that is coupled with thetransfer switch 106 via one or more electrical connections 112 a,b. Thetransfer switch 106 can provide the received power to the inverter 108via an electrical connection. Alternatively, the transfer switch 106 canprovide the received power to the control module 102 via an electricalconnection. The transfer switch 106 can comprise an adjustable voltageproving time delay module. The adjustable voltage proving time delaymodule can be configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delaytrigger or a time delay trigger when an AC presence is detected on theelectrical connection. That is, the adjustable voltage proving timedelay module can be configured to set a voltage delay trigger uponreceiving power from the generator. The transfer switch 106 can providepower to the control module 102 after triggering the adjustable voltageproving time delay module. That is, once the transfer switch 106 detectspower from the generator via the electrical connection, the transferswitch 106 can provide power to the control module 102 via a differentelectrical connection.

The transfer switch 106 can have electrical connections 112 a,b,c,d,ethat are capable of providing power to, or receiving power from, anotherdevice. For example, the electrical connections 112 a,b,c,d,e canprovide power to, or receive power from, the control module 102, thebattery 104, and/or the inverter 108. The electrical connections 112a,b,c,d,e can be any suitable DC and/or AC electrical connection. Forexample, the electrical connection 112 a can be configured to providepower to another device. As an example, the electrical connection 112 acan provide power to an auxiliary device, such as a work light oranother electrical device. In an exemplary embodiment, the electricalconnection 112 a provides power to power providing device (e.g., adistribution hub) that facilitates providing AC and/or DC power to oneor more other devices. The electrical connection 112 b can be configuredto receive power from a generator (not shown). The electrical connection112 c can be configured to provide power to the control module 102. Theelectrical connections 112 d,e can be configured to provide power to, orreceive power from, the inverter 108. Thus, the transfer switch 106 canutilize the electrical connections 112 a,b,c,d,e to provide power to, orreceive power from, another device.

Additionally, the transfer switch 106 can receive power from theinverter 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer switch 106 canswitch receiving power between the generator and the inverter 108.Stated differently, the transfer switch 106 can auctioneer between thegenerator and the inverter 108. That is, the transfer switch 106 canautomatically switch between the generator and the inverter 108. Forexample, if the generator runs out of fuel, the transfer switch 106 canswitch to receiving power from the inverter 108, which is receivingpower from the battery 104. In this manner, the transfer switch 106 cancontinue to output power to the control module 102 even if one of thepower sources of the transfer switch 106 (e.g., the generator, thebattery 104) stops providing power to the transfer switch 106.

The inverter 108 can be any device capable of converting AC power to DCpower, as well as DC power to AC power. The inverter 108 can receivepower from a generator via an electrical connection or can receive powerfrom the transfer switch 106. For example, the inverter 108 can receiveAC power directly from the generator or from the transfer switch 106.The inverter 108 can provide the received AC power to the control module102 via an electrical connection. The inverter 108 can convert thereceived AC power to DC power. The inverter 108 can provide (e.g.,output) the DC power to the battery 104 via an electrical connection. Asan example, the inverter 108 can charge the battery 104 via theelectrical connection. The inverter 108 can charge the battery 104,while also providing AC power to an output, such as the control module102. That is, the inverter 108 is capable of charging the battery 104,while simultaneously providing power to the control module 102.

Further, the inverter 108 can receive DC power from the battery 104. Forexample, the inverter 108 can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, aswell as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The inverter 108 caninvert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The inverter108 can output the inverted AC power. For example, the inverter 108 canoutput 110 VAC, 120 VAC, 208 VAC three-phase, 480 VAC three-phase, orany suitable output. The inverter 108 can provide the inverted AC powerto the control module 102 via an electrical connection. For example, theinverter 108 can comprise an internal transfer switch. The internaltransfer switch can be capable of auctioneering AC power output to thecontrol module 102 between two or more electrical inputs. For example,one electrical input may be a generator (not shown), and the other maybe provided by the battery 104. Stated differently, the inverter 108 iscapable of switching (e.g., automatically) between power inputs in orderto maintain a constant output to the control module 102. The inverter108 can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of theinverter 108. For example, the inverter 108 can have one or more lightsand/or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In anexemplary embodiment, the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

FIG. 1B illustrates a front view of the system 100. As shown, thecontrol module 102 has outputs 103 a,b, a plurality of switches 114, twodisplays 116 a,b, and a control interface 118. The outputs 103 a,b canoutput DC power and/or AC power. The outputs 103 a,b can output the sameor different type of power, as well as the same or different amount ofpower. For example, the output 103 a can be associated with a firstpower output (e.g., DC power and/or AC power), and the output 103 b canbe associated with a second power output (e.g., DC power and/or ACpower). As an example, the output 103 a can output a first DC voltage,and the output 103 b can output a second DC voltage. As another example,the output 103 a can output a first AC voltage, and the output 103 b canoutput a second AC voltage. As further example, the output 103 a canoutput a DC voltage, and the output 103 b can output an AC voltage.

The switches 114 can toggle the output provided by the control module102. That is, the outputs 103 a,b can be controlled by the switches 114.For example, the switches 114 can be associated with breakers thatdetermine whether the control module 102 provides power to the outputs103 a,b. As an example, the switches 114 can be individually flipped tocontrol the outputs 103 a,b such that the output of the control module102 can be modified based on the position of the switch 114. Further,one of the switches 114 may be a power switch that toggles the controlmodule 102 between an off state and an on state.

The control module 102 can have two displays 116 a,b. The two displays116 a,b can indicate the status of the control module 102. For example,the two displays 116 a,b can indicate the output of the control module102. As an example, the two displays 116 a,b can be associated with aspecific output of the control module 102, and the two displays 116 a,bcan indicate the voltage and current presently being supplied by therespective output.

The control module 102 can have a control interface 118. The controlinterface 118 can have any capability for controlling operation of theinverter 108. For example, the control interface 118 can control thepower provided to the inverter 108. That is, the control interface 118can have the capability to turn the inverter 108 ON and OFF. The controlinterface 118 can also indicate the status of the inverter 108. Forexample, the control interface 118 can indicate whether the inverter 108is receiving power from the battery 104 or a generator (not shown). Asanother example, the control interface 118 can indicate whether thebattery 104 is being charged by the power being provided by thegenerator via the transfer switch 106. The control interface 118 candictate the operation of the inverter 108. For example, the controlinterface 118 can instruct the inverter 108 to draw power from thebattery 104, rather than the generator. Similarly, the control interface118 can instruct the inverter 108 to draw power from the generator,rather than the battery 104. While the control interface 118 isdescribed as controlling operation of the inverter, a person of ordinaryskill in the art would appreciate that the control interface 118 can becapable of controlling operation of the control module 102, the battery104, and/or the transfer switch 106.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of the system 100. Specifically, FIG. 1Cillustrates the electrical connections 112 a,b,c,d,e,f between thecontrol module 102, the battery 104, the transfer switch 106, and theinverter 108. As shown, the transfer switch 106 is coupled to theinverter 108 via two electrical connections 112 e,d. Further, thecontrol module 102 is coupled with the transfer switch 106 via a singleelectrical connection 112 c. Similarly, the battery 104 is coupled withthe transfer switch 106 via a single electrical connection 112 f.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200 for providing power. Asshown, the system 200 has a generator 202, an inverter 204, a battery206, and a distribution hub 208. Further, the system 200 comprises anapparatus 250. The apparatus 250 can comprise the inverter 204 and thebattery 206. Additionally, the apparatus 250 can comprise any of thecomponents of the system 200. For example, the apparatus 250 comprisesthe cart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C. In an exemplary embodiment, each of thecomponents of the system 200 are separate devices that are not containedwithin an apparatus.

The generator 202 can be any generator capable of providing power. Forexample, the generator 202 can be capable of Alternating Current (AC).The generator 202 can output between 100 VAC and 250 VAC, as well ashigher voltages. For example, the generator 202 can output 120 VACand/or 240 VAC. The generator 202 can operate on any suitable fuel, suchas gasoline, diesel, Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), natural gas, and soforth. The generator 202 can operate on two or more fuels. For example,the generator 202 can be capable of operating on both gasoline and LPG.The generator 202 can be capable of switching between the two fuelseither manually or automatically. As an example, the generator 202 candefault to running on gasoline stored within a gas tank associated withthe generator 202. Once the generator 202 runs out of gasoline withinthe gas tank, the generator 202 can switch over to the LPG. As anotherexample, the generator 202 can switch between two or more LPG tankscoupled with the generator 202. That is, when a first of the two or moreLPG tanks runs out of the LPG, the generator 202 can manually, orautomatically, switch to a second of the two or more LPG tanks. Thegenerator 202 can provide (e.g., output) power to the inverter 204 viaan electrical connection 220. For example, the generator 202 can provideAC power to the inverter 204 via the electrical connection 220. Further,the generator 202 can provide power to the distribution hub 208 via theelectrical connection 220 and an electrical connection 226. Stateddifferently, the generator 202 can bypass the inverter 204 and providepower directly to the distribution hub 208.

The inverter 204 can be any device capable of converting AC power to DCpower, as well as DC power to AC power. For example, the inverter 204can be a rectifier. The inverter 204 can receive power from thegenerator 202 via the electrical connection 222. For example, theinverter 204 can receive AC power from the generator 202 via theelectrical connection 222. The inverter 204 can provide the received ACpower to the distribution hub 208 via an electrical connection 226. Theinverter 204 can convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter204 can provide (e.g., output) the DC power to the battery 206 via anelectrical connection 224. As an example, the inverter 204 can chargethe battery 206 via the electrical connection 224. The inverter 204 cancharge the battery 206, while also providing AC power to thedistribution hub 208. That is, the inverter 204 is capable of chargingthe battery 206, while simultaneously providing power to thedistribution hub 208.

Further, the inverter 204 can receive DC power from the battery 206. Forexample, the inverter 204 can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, aswell as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The inverter 204 caninvert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The inverter204 can output the inverted AC power. For example, the inverter 204 canoutput 110 VAC, 120 VAC, 208 VAC three-phase, 480 VAC three-phase, orany suitable output. The inverter 204 can provide the inverted AC powerto the distribution hub 208 via an electrical connection 224. Forexample, the inverter 204 can comprise an internal transfer switch. Theinternal transfer switch can be capable of auctioneering AC power outputto the distribution hub 208 between the electrical connection 220 (e.g.,that is provided by the generator 202) and the electrical connection 222(e.g., that is provided by the battery 206). Stated differently, theinverter 204 is capable of switching (e.g., automatically) between powerinputs received from the generator 202, via the electrical connection220, and from the battery 206, via the electrical connection 222, inorder to maintain a constant output to the distribution hub 208, via theelectrical connection 224. The inverter 204 can have one or moreindicators that indicate the status of the inverter 204. For example,the inverter 204 can have one or more lights and/or displays thatindicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, thelights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The battery 206 can be one or more batteries configured to store power,as well as provide the stored power. The battery 206 can provide DCpower. The battery 206 can have an associated voltage, such as a 12 V,24 V, 48 V, 125 V, 250 V, 400 V, etc. battery. Further, the battery 206can have an output current. For example, the battery 206 can output 5 A,50 A, 150 A, 300 A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 206 canbe a 12 V battery with a rated output of up to 150 A. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the battery 206 can be a 24 V battery with a ratedoutput of up to 300 A. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the battery 206 can be a battery with any voltage and/or currentcharacteristics.

The battery 206 can be any battery, such as rechargeable batteries ornon-rechargeable batteries. The battery 206 can be a Lithium Ion (Li+)battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo)battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 206 comprisesan auxiliary output 210. The auxiliary output 210 is capable ofreceiving and/or providing DC power to another device. For example, anapparatus capable of running on DC power can be coupled to the auxiliaryoutput 210. As an example, a light can be coupled to the auxiliaryoutput 210. As another example, an apparatus capable of providing DCpower can be coupled to the auxiliary output 210. As an example, amaintenance battery charger can be coupled to the auxiliary output 210to charge the battery 206.

The battery 206 can be one or more batteries configured to store powerfrom the inverter 204. For example, the battery 206 can receive powerfrom the inverter 204 via the electrical connection 222 and store thepower from the inverter 204. Stated differently, the inverter 204 cancharge the battery 206 via the electrical connection 222. Additionally,the battery 206 can provide power to the inverter 204. For example, thebattery 206 can discharge (e.g., provide power) to the inverter 204 viathe electrical connection 222. Accordingly, the battery 206 is capableof receiving power from the inverter 204, as well as providing power tothe inverter 204. The distribution hub 208 can receive power from thegenerator 202 via the electrical connections 222 and 228. Additionally,the distribution hub 208 can receive power from the inverter via theelectrical connection 226. The distribution hub 208 can comprises two ormore outputs 212 a,b and an auxiliary 214.

The distribution hub 208 can provide AC power to the outputs 212 a,b.For example, the distribution hub 208 can provide between 100-250 VACpower to the outputs 212 a,b. The outputs 212 a,b provide power to twoor more power providing devices 216 a,b. Specifically, the output 212 acan provide power to the power providing device 216 a via the electricalconnection 228, and the output 212 b can provide power to the powerproviding device 216 b via the electrical connection 230. In anexemplary embodiment, the electrical connections 228, 230 comprisecables coupled with the distribution hub 208 and the power providingdevices 216 a,b. The power providing devices 216 a,b can provide avariety of different power outputs. For example, the power providingdevices 216 a,b can provide AC power and DC power. As an example, thepower providing device 216 a,b can provide AC power and DC powersimultaneously. The power output provided by the power providing devices216 a,b can be between 0-260 VDC, such as 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125 VDC, aswell as 0-250 VAC, such as, 120 VAC, 240 VAC, or any suitable DC and/orAC output. The power providing devices 216 a,b can have more than oneoutput port associated with each of the power providing devices 216 a,bsuch that the power providing devices 216 a,b can provide power to aplurality of devices simultaneously.

The distribution 208 can have an auxiliary 214. The auxiliary 214 canprovide power to one or more additional devices via an output connection215. For example, the auxiliary 214 can couple the distribution hub 208to another distribution hub. Stated differently, the auxiliary 214provides the distribution hub 208 the capability to power one or moreadditional distribution hubs in order to provide additional powerproviding devices 216 a,b. That is, the auxiliary 214 can have thecapability to act as a pass through that matches the voltage of the ACinput provided to the distribution hub 208. The auxiliary 214 canprovide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and/or any AC power output. The auxiliary 214can be an auxiliary output for providing power to an auxiliary device,such as a light, a power tool, or any electrical device. As anotherexample, the auxiliary 214 can be an interface (e.g., a display, alight, etc.) that provides information associated with the distributionhub 208. As a further example, the auxiliary 214 can be an Input/Output(I/O) interface for communicating with one or more additional electronicdevices.

While the electrical connections 220-230 are shown as direct connectionsbetween the various components of the system 200 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 220-230 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300 for providing power.Specifically, the system 300 has the generator 202, a transfer switch302, an inverter 204, a battery 206, and a control module 304. Further,the system 300 has an apparatus 350 that can comprise the functionalityof the transfer switch 302, the inverter 204, the battery 206, and thecontrol module 304. The apparatus 350 (e.g., the cart 110 of FIGS.1A-1C) can comprise a wheeled container configured to mount the one ormore of the transfer switch 302, the inverter 204, the battery 206, andthe control module 304.

The generator 202 provides power to the transfer switch 302 via theelectrical connection 320. The generator 220 also provides power to thecontrol module 304 via the electrical connection 320 and an electricalconnection 332. While the control module 304 is illustrated as beingwithin the apparatus 350, the control module 304 is capable of beingremoved from the apparatus and still function appropriately. Forexample, the control module 304 can receive power from one or morecables that are connected to the transfer switch 302, the generator 202,and/or the inverter 204. Thus, the control module 304 can be locatedoutside of the apparatus 350 and still function as described herein.

The transfer switch 302 can comprise any switch capable of switchingbetween two or more power sources. As shown, the transfer switch 302 canreceive power from the generator 202. The transfer switch 302 canprovide the received power to the inverter 204 via an electricalconnection 324. Alternatively, the transfer switch 302 can provide thereceived power to the control module 304 via an electrical connection334. The transfer switch 302 can comprise an adjustable voltage provingtime delay module. The adjustable voltage proving time delay module canbe configured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger ora time delay trigger when an AC presence is detected on the electricalconnection 320. That is, the adjustable voltage proving time delaymodule can be configured to set a voltage delay trigger upon receivingpower from the generator 202. The transfer switch 302 can provide powerto the control module 304 after triggering the adjustable voltageproving time delay module. That is, once the transfer switch 302 detectspower from the generator 202 via the electrical connection 320, thetransfer switch 302 can provide power to the control module 304 via theelectrical connection 334.

The transfer switch 302 can have an auxiliary electrical connection 322that is capable of providing power to another device. The auxiliaryelectrical connection 322 can provide power to one or more additionaldevices. For example, the auxiliary electrical connection 322 can couplethe transfer switch 302 to a distribution hub (e.g., the distributionhub 208 of FIG. 2) or another control module (e.g., another controlmodule 304). Stated differently, the auxiliary electrical connection 322provides the transfer switch 302 the capability to power one or moreadditional distribution hubs in order to provide additional powerproviding devices. The auxiliary electrical connection 322 can provide120 VAC, 240 VAC, and/or any AC power output. The auxiliary electricalconnection 322 can be an auxiliary output for providing power to anauxiliary device, such as a light, a power tool, or any electricaldevice.

Additionally, the transfer switch 302 can receive power from theinverter 204 via the electrical connection 330. In an exemplaryembodiment, the transfer switch 302 can switch receiving power betweenthe generator 202 and the inverter 204. Stated differently, the transferswitch 302 can auctioneer between the generator 202 and the inverter204. That is, the transfer switch 302 can automatically switch betweenthe generator 202 and the inverter 204. For example, if the generator202 runs out of fuel, the transfer switch 302 can switch to receivingpower from the inverter 204. In this manner, the transfer switch 302 cancontinue to output power to the control module 304 via the electricalconnection 334 even if one of the power sources of the transfer switch302 (e.g., the generator 202, the battery 206) stops providing power tothe transfer switch 302.

The inverter 204 can provide power to the battery 206, as well asreceive power from the battery 206 via the electrical connection 326.The inverter 204 can provide the power received from the battery 206 tothe transfer witch 302 via the electrical connection 330. Additionally,the inverter 204 can be coupled with the I/O 306 of the control module304 via an electrical connection 328. The inverter 204 can be controlledvia the electrical connection 328. For example, the inverter 204 can betoggled on/off. Further, the inverter 204 can provide data via theconnection 328. As an example, the inverter 204 can provide alarmsand/or operating status indications to the control module 304. Thecontrol module 304 can modify the operation of the inverter 204 based onthe alarms and/or the operating status indications.

The control module 304 can have an input/output interface (I/O) 306, aninterface 308, an output 310, and the auxiliary port 312. The controlmodule 304 can provide power to, or receive power from, the auxiliaryport 312. The I/O 306 can allow the control module 304 to communicatewith one or more devices. The I/O 306 can include any type of suitablehardware for communication with devices. For example, the I/O 306 caninclude direct connection interfaces such as Ethernet and UniversalSerial Bus (USB), as well as wireless communications, including but notlimited to, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, Radio Frequency (RF), and soforth.

The interface 308 can comprise any interface capable of displayinginformation. For example, the interface 308 can be a digital displaythat indicates the power usage of the control module 304. As an example,the interface 308 can indicate the current and voltage being output bythe control module 304 via the output 310. The output 310 can provideeither AC or DC power to one or more devices via an output connection311. For example, the output 310 can provide be 0-24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125VDC, 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and so forth power to the one or more devices.

While the electrical connections 320-334 are shown as direct connectionsbetween the various components of the system 300 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 320-334 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system 400 for providing power. Thesystem 400 is the same as system 300 of FIG. 3, except that the controlmodule 304 of the apparatus 350 has been replaced with control module402 of the apparatus 450. For example, the apparatus 450 comprises thecart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The control module 402 can have an interface404, DC outputs 406 a,b, and an auxiliary port 408.

The inverter 204 can be coupled with the interface 404 of the controlmodule 402 via an electrical connection 328. The inverter 204 can becontrolled via the electrical connection 328. For example, the inverter204 can be toggled on/off. Further, the inverter 204 can provide datavia the connection 328. As an example, the inverter 204 can providealarms and/or operating status indications to the control module 402.The control module 402 can modify the operation of the inverter 204based on the alarms and/or the operating status indications.

The interface 404 can comprise any interface capable of displayinginformation. For example, the interface 404 can be a digital displaythat indicates the power usage of the control module 402. As an example,the interface 404 can indicate the current and voltage being output bythe control module 402 via the DC outputs 406 a,b. The DC outputs 406a,b can provide any amount of DC power to one or more devices via outputconnections 407 a,b. For example, the DC outputs 406 a,b can provide be0-24 VDC, 48 VDC, 125 VDC, 240 VDC, 400 VDC, and so forth. The DCoutputs 406 a,b can provide the same or different power outputs. Forexample, one of the DC outputs 406 a,b outputs a DC voltage between115-130 VDC, while the other outputs 240-260 VDC. The DC outputs 406 a,bcan provide power to a variety of DC powered devices, such as DC motors,DC motor operated valves, DC solenoids, DC control power logic circuits,and so forth.

The control module 402 can provide power to, or receive power from, theauxiliary port 408. The auxiliary port 408 can provide power to one ormore additional devices. For example, the auxiliary port 408 can couplethe control module 402 to another device (e.g., a distribution hub, acontrol module, etc.). That is, the auxiliary port 408 can have thecapability to act as a pass through that matches the voltage of the ACinput provided to the control module 402. The auxiliary port 408 canprovide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and/or any AC power output. The auxiliary port408 can be an auxiliary output for providing power to an auxiliarydevice, such as a light, a power tool, or any electrical device.

While the electrical connections 320-334 are shown as direct connectionsbetween the various components of the system 400 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 320-334 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system 500 for providing power. Thesystem 500 is the same as the system 300 of FIG. 3 and the system 400 ofFIG. 4, except that the control module 304 of the apparatus 350 and thecontrol module 402 of the apparatus 450 has been replaced with thecontrol module 502 of the apparatus 550. For example, the apparatus 550comprises the cart 110 of FIGS. 1A-1C. The control module 502 can havean interface 504, AC outputs 506 a,b, and an auxiliary port 508.

The inverter 204 can be coupled with the interface 504 of the controlmodule 502 via an electrical connection 328. The inverter 204 can becontrolled via the electrical connection 328. For example, the inverter204 can be toggled on/off. Further, the inverter 204 can provide datavia the connection 328. As an example, the inverter 204 can providealarms and/or operating status indications to the control module 502.The control module 502 can modify the operation of the inverter 204based on the alarms and/or the operating status indications.

The interface 504 can comprise any interface capable of displayinginformation. For example, the interface 504 can be a digital displaythat indicates the power usage of the control module 502. As an example,the interface 504 can indicate the current and voltage being output bythe control module 502 via the AC outputs 506 a,b. The AC outputs 406a,b can provide any amount of AC power to one or more devices via outputconnections 507 a,b. For example, the AC output 506 a can be a singlephase AC output, whereas the AC output 506 b can be a three-phase ACoutput. The AC outputs 506 a,b can provide the same or different output.For example, the AC outputs 506 a,b can provide be 120 VAC, 240 VAC, 400VAC, and so forth. The AC outputs 506 a,b can provide power to a varietyof AC powered devices such as any AC load, AC motors, AC motor operatedvalves, communication equipment, and so forth.

The control module 502 can provide power to, or receive power from, theauxiliary port 508. The auxiliary port 508 can provide power to one ormore additional devices. For example, the auxiliary port 508 can couplethe control module 502 to another device (e.g., a distribution hub, acontrol module, etc.). That is, the auxiliary port 508 can have thecapability to act as a pass through that matches the voltage of the ACinput provided to the control module 502. The auxiliary port 508 canprovide 120 VAC, 240 VAC, and/or any AC power output. The auxiliary port508 can be an auxiliary output for providing power to an auxiliarydevice, such as a light, a power tool, or any electrical device.

While the electrical connections 320-334 are shown as direct connectionsbetween the various components of the system 500 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 320-334 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary system 600 for providing power. Thesystem 600 comprises a battery 602, an inverter 604, a variablefrequency drive 606, and a reversing contactor 608. In an exemplaryembodiment, the system 600 comprises an apparatus 650 which comprisesthe inverter 604, the variable frequency drive 606, and the reversingcontractor 608. Additionally, while the battery 602 is illustrated asnot being a part of the apparatus 650, in an exemplary embodiment, theapparatus 650 comprises the battery 602, as well as all the capabilitiesof the battery 602. For example, the apparatus 600 can comprise aportable container that is capable of providing power.

The battery 602 can be one or more batteries configured to store power,as well as provide the stored power. The battery 602 can provide DCpower. The battery 602 can have an associated voltage, such as a 12 V,24 V, 48 V, 125 V, 250 V, 400 V, etc. battery. Further, the battery 602can have an output current. For example, the battery 602 can output 5 A,50 A, 150 A, 300 A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 602 canbe a 12 V battery with a rated output of up to 150 A. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the battery 602 can be a 24 V battery with a ratedoutput of up to 300 A. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the battery 602 can be a battery with any voltage and/or currentcharacteristics.

The battery 602 can be any battery, such as rechargeable batteries ornon-rechargeable batteries. The battery 602 can be a Lithium Ion (Li+)battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo)battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 602 comprisesan auxiliary output 603. The auxiliary output 603 can be capable ofreceiving and/or providing DC power to another device. For example, anapparatus capable of running on DC power can be coupled to the battery602 to receive power from the battery 602 via the auxiliary output 603.As an example, a light can be coupled to the battery 602. As anotherexample, an apparatus capable of providing DC power can be coupled tothe battery 602. As an example, a maintenance battery charger can becoupled to the battery 602 via the auxiliary output 603 to charge thebattery 602. Additionally, the battery 602 can provide power to theinverter 604. For example, the battery 602 can discharge (e.g., providepower) to the inverter 604 via the electrical connection 628.

The inverter 604 can be any device capable of converting DC power to ACpower. The inverter 604 can receive DC power from the battery 602 viathe electrical connection 620. The inverter 604 can convert (e.g.,invert) the received DC power to AC power. The inverter 604 can providethe converted AC power to the electrical connection 622. The inverter604 can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of theinverter 604. For example, the inverter 604 can have one or more lightsand/or displays that indicate the status of the inverter. In anexemplary embodiment, the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The electrical connection 622 can be coupled to a breaker 612. Theinverter 604 can provide power to the breaker 612 via the electricalconnection 622. The breaker 612 can be coupled to an electricalconnection 624. The electrical connection 624 can be coupled to anelectrical connection 626 that is coupled with the variable frequencydrive 606, as well coupled to an electrical connection 628 that iscoupled to a step-down transformer 616. The step-down transformer 616can reduce (e.g., step-down) the power provided by the inverter 604 toprovide a lower power to one or more devices that require a differentvoltage than the voltage output by the inverter 604. The step-downtransformer 616 is coupled to an electrical connection 630 that iscoupled to an output 632. The output 632 can be a control power output.Thus, the output 632 can receive power from the inverter 604 after theinverter 604 has converted the DC power from the battery 602 to ACpower, and step-down the received AC power to provide a lower poweroutput on the output 632.

The variable frequency drive 606 receives the AC power from the inverter604. The variable frequency drive 606 converts the AC power tothree-phase AC power. That is, the variable frequency drive 606 receivessingle phase AC power from the inverter 604, and converts the singlephase AC power to three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive 606can output the three-phase AC power to the electrical connection 632.The variable frequency drive 606 can provide AC power from 0-480 VAC.Further, the variable frequency drive 606 can be configured to limitinrush current when a load (e.g., an AC load) coupled to the output 640turns on. The operation of the variable frequency drive 606 can bemodified by programming. For example, a ramp rate of the variablefrequency drive 606 can be modified, as well as a terminal voltage ofthe variable frequency drive 606.

The electrical connection 634 can be coupled with a breaker 614. Thebreaker 614 can be coupled to an electrical connection 636. Theelectrical connection 636 can be coupled to the reversing contactor 608.The reversing contactor 608 can be configured to modify (e.g., shift)the phase of the power output by the variable frequency drive 606.Specifically, the reversing contactor 608 can shift the power output toensure the frequency of the three-phase AC power is in the proper phase.The reversing contactor 608 can be coupled with a switch 610 thatindicates the phase of the three-phase AC power. A user can manipulatethe switch 610 to modify the operating mode of the reversing contactor608. For example, the switch 610 can have a forward mode and a reversemode. Flipping the switch 610 between the two modes reverse thedirection of the three-phase AC power. For example, flipping the switch610 can shift the three-phase AC power by 120 degrees. The reversingcontactor 608 can provide an output to the electrical connection 638,which is coupled to an output 640. The output 640 can be coupled to adevice that operates on three-phase AC power. For example, the output640 can provide power to a variety of AC powered devices such as any ACload, AC motors, AC motor operated valves, communication equipment, andso forth. While the reversing contactor 608 is illustrated as beingseparate from the variable frequency drive 606 for ease of explanation,a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that thereversing contactor 608 can be incorporated into the variable frequencydrive 606. Stated differently, the variable frequency drive 606 caninclude the capabilities of the reversing contactor 608. Thus, thevariable frequency drive 606 can include the capability to modify thephase of the power output by the variable frequency drive 606.

Further, the apparatus 600 can comprise one or more indicators (notshown). For example, the one or more indicators can indicate the poweroutput of one or more outputs (e.g., the output 632, and/or the output640). As an example, a first indicator could indicate the AC voltageand/or AC current output by the output 632, and a second indictor couldindicate the three-phase AC voltage and/or AC current output by theoutput 640.

While the electrical connections 620-638 are generally shown as directconnections between the various components of the system 600 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 620-638 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary system 700 for providing power. Thesystem 700 has a generator 702, a three-phase power supply 704, atransfer switch 706, an inverter 708, a battery 710, and a variablefrequency drive 716. Additionally, the system 700 comprises step-downtransformers 712 a,b and DC to AC inverters 714 a,b. Further, the system700 comprises an apparatus 750. The apparatus 750 can comprise thetransfer switch 706, the inverter 708, the battery 710, the variablefrequency drive 716, the step-down transformers 712 a,b, and the DC toAC inverters 714 a,b. For example, the apparatus 750 can be a singledevice (e.g., enclosure) that comprises the components of the system 700except for the generator 702 and the three-phase power supply 704.

The generator 702 can be any generator capable of providing power. Forexample, the generator 702 can be capable of Alternating Current (AC).The generator 702 can output between 100 VAC and 250 VAC, as well ashigher voltages. For example, the generator 702 can output 120 VACand/or 240 VAC. The generator 702 can provide (e.g., output) power tothe transfer switch 706 via an electrical connection 720. For example,the generator 702 can provide AC power to the transfer switch 706 viathe electrical connection 720.

The generator 702 can operate on any suitable fuel, such as gasoline,diesel, Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), natural gas, and so forth. Thegenerator 702 can operate on two or more fuels. For example, thegenerator 702 can be capable of operating on both gasoline and LPG. Thegenerator 702 can be capable of switching between the two fuels eithermanually or automatically. As an example, the generator 702 can defaultto running on gasoline stored within a gas tank associated with thegenerator 702. Once the generator 702 runs out of gasoline within thegas tank, the generator 702 can switch over to the LPG. As anotherexample, the generator 702 can switch between two or more LPG tankscoupled with the generator 702. That is, when a first of the two or moreLPG tanks runs out of the LPG, the generator 702 can manually, orautomatically, switch to a second of the two or more LPG tanks.

The three-phase power supply 704 can be any suitable three-phase powersupply 704. For example, the three-phase power supply 704 can be coupledwith a power distribution network that receives power from a powerplant. The three-phase power supply 704 can output between 100 VAC and250 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, the three-phase powersupply 704 can output 120 VAC and/or 240 VAC. The three-phase powersupply 704 can provide (e.g., output) power to the transfer switch 706via an electrical connection 722. For example, the three-phase powersupply 704 can provide AC power to the transfer switch 706 via theelectrical connection 722.

The transfer switch 706 can comprise any switch capable of switchingbetween two or more power sources. As shown, the transfer switch 706 canreceive power from the generator 702 and/or the three-phase power supply704. The transfer switch 706 can provide the received power to theinverter 708 via an electrical connection 724. Alternatively, thetransfer switch 706 can provide the received power to an output 707 viaan electrical connection 738. The transfer switch 706 can comprise anadjustable voltage proving time delay module. The adjustable voltageproving time delay module can be configured to variably set at least oneof a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger when an AC presenceis detected on the electrical connection 720. That is, the adjustablevoltage proving time delay module can be configured to set a voltagedelay trigger upon receiving power from the generator 702.

Additionally, the transfer switch 706 can receive power from thevariable frequency drive 716 via the electrical connection 736. In anexemplary embodiment, the transfer switch 706 can switch betweenreceiving power from the generator 702, the three-phase power supply704, and the variable frequency drive 716. Stated differently, thetransfer switch 706 can auctioneer between the generator 702, thethree-phase power supply 704, and the variable frequency drive 716. Thatis, the transfer switch 706 can automatically switch between thegenerator 702, the three-phase power supply 704, and the variablefrequency drive 716. For example, if the generator 702 runs out of fuel,the transfer switch 706 can switch to receiving power from the variablefrequency drive 716. In this manner, the transfer switch 706 cancontinue to output power to the output 707 via the electrical connection738 even if one of the power sources of the transfer switch 706 (e.g.,generator 702, the three-phase power supply 704, and the variablefrequency drive 716) stops providing power to the transfer switch 706.

The inverter 708 can be any device capable of converting AC power to DCpower, as well as DC power to AC power. For example, the inverter 708can be a rectifier. The inverter 708 can receive power from thegenerator 702 and/or the three-phase power supply 704 via the electricalconnection 724. For example, the inverter 708 can receive AC power fromthe generator 702 and/or the three-phase power supply 704 via thetransfer switch 706 by receiving the power via the electrical connection724. The inverter 708 can convert the received AC power to DC power. Theinverter 708 can provide (e.g., output) the DC power to the battery 710via an electrical connection 726. As an example, the inverter 708 cancharge the battery 710 via the electrical connection 726. The inverter708 can charge the battery 710, while also providing power to one ormore additional devices. For example, the inverter 708 can provide powerto the step-down transformers 712 a,b and the DC to AC inverters 714a,b, while also charging the battery 710.

Further, the inverter 708 can receive DC power from the battery 710. Forexample, the inverter 708 can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, aswell as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The inverter 708 caninvert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The inverter708 can output the inverted AC power. For example, the inverter 708 canoutput 110 VAC, 120 VAC, or any suitable output AC output. The inverter708 can provide the inverted AC power to the variable frequency drive716 via an electrical connection 734. For example, the inverter 708 cancomprise an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch canbe capable of auctioneering AC power output to the variable frequencydrive 716 between the electrical connection 724 (e.g., that is providedby the transfer switch 706) and the electrical connection 726 (e.g.,that is provided by the battery 710). Stated differently, the inverter708 is capable of switching (e.g., automatically) between power inputsreceived from the transfer switch 706, via the electrical connection724, and from the battery 710, via the electrical connection 726, inorder to maintain a constant output to the variable frequency device 716via the electrical connection 734. The inverter 708 can have one or moreindicators that indicate the status of the inverter 708. For example,the inverter 708 can have one or more lights and/or displays thatindicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, thelights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The battery 710 can be one or more batteries configured to store power,as well as provide the stored power. The battery 710 can provide DCpower. The battery 710 can have an associated voltage, such as a 12 V,24 V, 48 V, 125 V, 250 V, 400 V, etc. battery. Further, the battery 710can have an output current. For example, the battery 710 can output 5 A,50 A, 150 A, 300 A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 710 canbe a 12 V battery with a rated output of up to 150 A. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the battery 710 can be a 24 V and/or a 48 Vbattery with a rated output of up to 300 A. As a further exemplaryembodiment, the battery 710 can be a 410 V battery. As will beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the battery 710 can be a batterywith any voltage and/or current characteristics.

The battery 710 can be any battery, such as rechargeable batteries ornon-rechargeable batteries. The battery 710 can be a Lithium Ion (Li+)battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo)battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 710 can be oneor more batteries configured to store power from the inverter 708. Forexample, the battery 710 can receive power from the inverter 708 via theelectrical connection 726 and store the power from the inverter 708.Stated differently, the inverter 708 can charge the battery 710 via theelectrical connection 726. Additionally, the battery 710 can providepower to the inverter 708. For example, the battery 710 can discharge(e.g., provide power) to the inverter 708 via the electrical connection726. Accordingly, the battery 710 is capable of receiving power from theinverter 708, as well as providing power to the inverter 708.

Further, the battery 710 can have an auxiliary output (not shown). Theauxiliary output can be capable of receiving and/or providing DC powerto another device. For example, an apparatus capable of running on DCpower can be coupled to the battery 710 to receive power from thebattery 710 via the auxiliary output. As an example, a light can becoupled to the battery 710. As another example, an apparatus capable ofproviding DC power can be coupled to the battery 710. As an example, amaintenance battery charger can be coupled to the battery 710 via theauxiliary output to charge the battery 710.

The variable frequency drive 716 receives AC power from the inverter 708via the electrical connection 734. The variable frequency drive 716converts the AC power to three-phase AC power. That is, the variablefrequency drive 716 receives single phase AC power from the inverter708, and converts the single phase AC power to three-phase AC power. Thevariable frequency drive 716 can output the three-phase AC power to thetransfer switch 706 via an electrical connection 736. The variablefrequency drive 716 can provide AC power from 0-480 VAC. The operationof the variable frequency drive 716 can be modified by programming. Forexample, a ramp rate of the variable frequency drive 716 can bemodified, as well as a terminal voltage of the variable frequency drive716.

The step-down transformers 712 a,b can reduce (e.g., step-down) thepower provided by the inverter 708 and/or the battery 710 to provide alower power to one or more devices that require a different voltage thanthe voltage output by the inverter 708 and/or the battery 710. That is,the step-down transformers 712 a,b step-down the voltage provided by theinverter 708 and/or the battery 710 to provide a step-downed voltage tooutputs 713 a,b. The step-down transformer 712 a can receive DC powervia the electrical connection 728 and provide the stepped-down voltageto the output 713 a. The step-down transformer 712 b can receive DCpower via the electrical connection 730 and provide the stepped-downvoltage to the output 713 b. The outputs 713 a,b can receive power fromthe inverter 708 after the inverter 708 has inverted the AC power fromthe transfer switch 706 to DC power, and step-down the received DC powerto provide a lower power output on the outputs 713 a,b. Additionally,the outputs 713 a,b can receive DC power from the battery 710 andstep-down the received DC power to provide a lower power output on theoutputs 713 a,b. The outputs 713 a,b can output voltages of 12 VDC 24VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800VDC. In an exemplary embodiment, one of the outputs 713 a,b outputs 125VDC, while the other output outputs 250 VDC. The step-down transformers712 a,b can have one or more indicators that indicate the status of thestep-down transformers 712 a,b. For example, the step-down transformers712 a,b can have one or more lights and/or displays that indicate thestatus of the step-down transformers 712 a,b. In an exemplaryembodiment, the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The DC to AC inverters 714 a,b can receive DC power from the inverter708 and/or the battery 710. The DC to AC inverters 714 a,b can receiveDC power from the inverter 708 and/or the battery 710 via an electricalconnection 732. For example, the DC to AC inverters 714 a,b can receive12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDCto 800 VDC. The DC to AC inverters 714 a,b can invert (e.g., convert)the received DC power to AC power. The DC to AC inverters 714 a,b canoutput the inverted AC power. For example, the DC to AC inverters 714a,b can output AC power between 0-800 VAC or any suitable output. In anexemplary embodiment, the DC to AC inverters 714 a,b can output between110-240 VAC. The DC to AC inverter 714 a can provide the inverted ACpower to a device via an output 715 a, and the DC to AC inverter 714 bcan provide the inverted AC power to a device via an output 715 b. TheDC to AC inverters 714 a,b can have one or more indicators that indicatethe status of the DC to AC inverters 714 a,b. For example, the DC to ACinverters 714 a,b can have one or more lights and/or displays thatindicate the status of the DC to AC inverters 714 a,b. In an exemplaryembodiment, the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

While the electrical connections 720-738 are generally shown as directconnections between the various components of the system 700 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 720-738 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary system 800 for providing power.Specifically, as is explained in more detail below, the system 800 isthe same as system 700 of FIG. 7 except that the inverter 802 comprisesthe functionality of the variable frequency drive of 716 of FIG. 7.

The inverter 802 can be any device capable of converting AC power to DCpower, as well as DC power to AC power. For example, the inverter 802can be a rectifier. The inverter 802 can receive power from thegenerator 702 and/or the three-phase power supply 704 via the electricalconnection 724. For example, the inverter 802 can receive AC power fromthe generator 702 and/or the three-phase power supply 704 via thetransfer switch 706 by receiving the power via the electrical connection724. The inverter 802 can convert the received AC power to DC power. Theinverter 802 can provide (e.g., output) the DC power to the battery 710via an electrical connection 726. As an example, the inverter 802 cancharge the battery 710 via the electrical connection 726. The inverter802 can charge the battery 710, while also providing power to one ormore additional devices. For example, the inverter 802 can provide powerto the step-down transformers 712 a,b and the DC to AC inverters 714a,b, while also charging the battery 710.

Further, the inverter 802 can receive DC power from the battery 710. Forexample, the inverter 802 can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, aswell as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The inverter 802 caninvert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to AC power. The inverter802 can output the inverted AC power. The inverter 802 can output theinverted AC power to the transfer switch 706 via an electricalconnection 820. For example, the inverter 802 can output 110 VAC, 120VAC, or any suitable output AC output to the transfer switch 706.

The inverter 802 can comprise an internal transfer switch. The internaltransfer switch can be capable of auctioneering AC power output to thetransfer switch 806 between the electrical connection 724 (e.g., that isprovided by the transfer switch 706) and the electrical connection 726(e.g., that is provided by the battery 710). Stated differently, theinverter 802 is capable of switching (e.g., automatically) between powerinputs received from the transfer switch 706, via the electricalconnection 724, and from the battery 710, via the electrical connection726, in order to maintain a constant output to the transfer switch 706via the electrical connection 820. The inverter 802 can have one or moreindicators that indicate the status of the inverter 802. For example,the inverter 802 can have one or more lights and/or displays thatindicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment, thelights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The inverter 802 can be capable of outputting three-phase AC power. Thatis, the inverter 802 can convert the inverted AC power to three-phase ACpower, and output the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch 706via the electrical connection 820. The inverter 802 can providethree-phase AC power from 0-480 VAC. The operation of the inverter 802can be modified by programming. For example, a ramp rate of the inverter802 can be modified, as well as a terminal voltage of the inverter 802.

While the electrical connections 820-836 are generally shown as directconnections between the various components of the system 800 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 820-836 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary system 900 for providing power. Thesystem 900 has a generator 902, a three-phase power supply 904, AC to DCconverters 906 a,b, a power distribution device 908, a battery 910, avariable frequency drive 916, and a transfer switch 918. Additionally,the system 900 comprises step-down transformers 912 a,b and DC to ACinverters 914 a,b. Further, the system 900 comprises an apparatus 950.The apparatus 950 can comprise the AC to DC converters 906 a,b, thepower distribution device 908, the battery 910, the variable frequencydrive 916, the transfer switch 918, the step-down transformers 912 a,b,and the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b. For example, the apparatus 950 canbe a single device (e.g., enclosure) that comprises the components ofthe system 900 except for the generator 902 and the three-phase powersupply 904.

The generator 902 can be any generator capable of providing power. Forexample, the generator 902 can be capable of producing AlternatingCurrent (AC). The generator 902 can output between 100 VAC and 250 VAC,as well as higher voltages. For example, the generator 902 can output120 VAC and/or 240 VAC. The generator 902 can provide (e.g., output)power to the AC to DC converter 906 a via an electrical connection 920.For example, the generator 902 can provide AC power to the AC to DCconverter 906 a via the electrical connection 920.

The generator 902 can operate on any suitable fuel, such as gasoline,diesel, Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), natural gas, and so forth. Thegenerator 902 can operate on two or more fuels. For example, thegenerator 902 can be capable of operating on both gasoline and LPG. Thegenerator 902 can be capable of switching between the two fuels eithermanually or automatically. As an example, the generator 902 can defaultto running on gasoline stored within a gas tank associated with thegenerator 902. Once the generator 902 runs out of gasoline within thegas tank, the generator 902 can switch over to the LPG. As anotherexample, the generator 902 can switch between two or more LPG tankscoupled with the generator 902. That is, when a first of the two or moreLPG tanks runs out of the LPG, the generator 902 can manually, orautomatically, switch to a second of the two or more LPG tanks.

The three-phase power supply 904 can be any suitable three-phase powersupply 904. For example, the three-phase power supply 904 can be coupledwith a power distribution network that receives power from a powerplant. The three-phase power supply 904 can output between 100 VAC and480 VAC, as well as higher voltages. For example, the three-phase powersupply 904 can output 120 VAC and/or 240 VAC. The three-phase powersupply 904 can provide (e.g., output) power to the AC to DC converter906 b via an electrical connection 924. For example, the three-phasepower supply 904 can provide AC power to the AC to DC converter 906 bvia the electrical connection 924.

The AC to DC converters 906 a,b can convert AC power to DC power. Forexample, the AC to DC converters 906 a,b can be rectifiers. The AC to DCconverters 906 a,b can receive power from the generator 902 and/or thethree-phase power supply 904 via the electrical connections 920,924. Forexample, the AC to DC converter 906 a can receive AC power from thegenerator 902, and the AC to DC converter 906 b can receive AC powerfrom the three-phase power supply 904. Specifically, the AC to DCconverter 906 a can receive AC power from the generator 902 via theelectrical connection 920, and the AC to DC converter 906 b can receiveAC power from the three-phase power supply 904 via the electricalconnection 924. The AC to DC converters 906 a,b can convert the receivedAC power to DC power. The AC to DC converters 906 a,b can provide (e.g.,output) the DC power to the power distribution device 908. Specifically,the AC to DC converter 906 a can provide AC power to the powerdistribution device 908 via the electrical connection 922, and the AC toDC converter 906 b can provide AC power to the power distribution device908 via the electrical connection 926.

The power distribution device 908 can be any device capable ofdistributing power. Specifically, the power distribution device 908 canbe configured to receive power from the AC to DC converters 906 a,b andto provide the received power to the battery 910, the step-downtransformers 912 a,b, the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b, and/or thevariable frequency drive 916. The power distribution device 908 canreceive power from the generator 902 and/or the three-phase power supply904 via the AC to DC converters 906 a,b. The power distribution device908 can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltagesranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. For example, the power distributiondevice 908 can receive DC power from the AC to DC converter 906 a viathe electrical connection 922, as well as receive DC power from the ACto DC converter 906 b via the electrical connection 926. The powerdistribution device 908 can provide (e.g., output) the DC power to thebattery 910 via an electrical connection 928. As an example, the powerdistribution device 908 can charge the battery 910 via the electricalconnection 928. The power distribution device 908 can charge the battery910, while also providing power to one or more additional devices. Forexample, the power distribution device 908 can provide power to thestep-down transformers 912 a,b and the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b, whilealso charging the battery 910.

Further, the power distribution device 908 can receive DC power from thebattery 910. For example, the power distribution device 908 can receive12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDCto 800 VDC. The power distribution device 908 can invert (e.g., convert)the received DC power to AC power. That is, the power distributiondevice 908 can invert the DC power received from the battery 910, aswell as the AC to DC converters 906 a,b. The power distribution device908 can output the inverted AC power. For example, the powerdistribution device 908 can output AC power between 0-800 VAC or anysuitable output. In an exemplary embodiment, the power distributiondevice 908 can output between 110-240 VAC. The power distribution device908 can provide the inverted AC power to the variable frequency drive916 via an electrical connection 936. The power distribution device 908can comprise an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switchcan be capable of auctioneering DC power that is received from theelectrical connection 922 (e.g., that is provided by the AC to DCconverter 906 a), the electrical connection 926 (e.g., that is providedby the AC to DC converter 906 b), and the electrical connection 928(e.g., that is provided by the battery 910). Stated differently, thepower distribution device 908 is capable of switching (e.g.,automatically) between power inputs received from the AC to DC converter906 a, via the electrical connection 922; from the AC to DC converter906 b, via the electrical connection 926; and from the battery 910, viathe electrical connection 928, in order to maintain a constant output tothe variable frequency device 916 via the electrical connection 936. Thepower distribution device 908 can have one or more indicators thatindicate the status of the power distribution device 908. For example,the power distribution device 908 can have one or more lights and/ordisplays that indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplaryembodiment, the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The variable frequency drive 916 receives AC power from the powerdistribution device 908 via the electrical connection 936. The variablefrequency drive 916 converts the AC power to three-phase AC power. Thatis, the variable frequency drive 916 receives single phase AC power fromthe power distribution device 908, and converts the single phase ACpower to three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drive 916 canoutput the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch 906 via anelectrical connection 938. The variable frequency drive 916 can provideAC power from 0-480 VAC. The operation of the variable frequency drive916 can be modified by programming. For example, a ramp rate of thevariable frequency drive 916 can be modified, as well as a terminalvoltage of the variable frequency drive 916.

The transfer switch 918 can comprise any switch capable of switchingbetween two or more power sources. As shown, the transfer switch 918 canreceive power from the variable frequency drive 916, as well as thethree-phase power supply 904. Specifically, the transfer switch 918receives three-phase AC power from the variable frequency drive 916 viathe electrical connection 938, and the transfer switch 918 receivesthree-phase AC power from the three-phase power supply 904 via theelectrical connection 940. The transfer switch 918 can output thereceived power. Specifically, the transfer switch 918 can output thereceive power to an output 919.

Additionally, the transfer switch 918 can switch between receiving powerfrom the three-phase power supply 904, and the variable frequency drive916. Stated differently, the transfer switch 918 can auctioneer betweenthe three-phase power supply 904 and the variable frequency drive 916.That is, the transfer switch 918 can automatically switch betweenreceiving power from the three-phase power supply 904 and the variablefrequency drive 916. For example, if the three-phase power supply 904 isunable to provide power, the transfer switch 918 can switch to receivingpower from the variable frequency drive 916. In this manner, thetransfer switch 918 can continue to output power to the output 919 evenif one of the power sources of the transfer switch 916 (e.g., thethree-phase power supply 904, or the variable frequency drive 916) stopsproviding power to the transfer switch 918.

The battery 910 can be one or more batteries configured to store power,as well as provide the stored power. The battery 910 can provide DCpower. The battery 910 can have an associated voltage, such as a 12 V,24 V, 48 V, 125 V, 250 V, 400 V, etc. battery. Further, the battery 910can have an output current. For example, the battery 910 can output 5 A,50 A, 150 A, 300 A, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 910 canbe a 12 V battery with a rated output of up to 150 A. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the battery 910 can be a 24 V and/or a 48 Vbattery with a rated output of up to 300 A. As a further exemplaryembodiment, the battery 910 can be a 410 V battery. As will beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the battery 910 can be a batterywith any voltage and/or current characteristics.

The battery 910 can be any battery, such as rechargeable batteries ornon-rechargeable batteries. The battery 910 can be a Lithium Ion (Li+)battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo)battery, or any type of rechargeable battery. The battery 910 can be oneor more batteries configured to store power from the power distributiondevice 908. For example, the battery 910 can receive power from thepower distribution device 908 via the electrical connection 928 andstore the power from the power distribution device 908. Stateddifferently, the power distribution device 908 can charge the battery910 via the electrical connection 928. Additionally, the battery 910 canprovide power to the power distribution device 908. For example, thebattery 910 can discharge (e.g., provide power) to the powerdistribution device 908 via the electrical connection 928. Accordingly,the battery 910 is capable of receiving power from the powerdistribution device 908, as well as providing power to the powerdistribution device 908.

Further, the battery 910 can have an auxiliary output (not shown). Theauxiliary output can be capable of receiving and/or providing DC powerto another device. For example, an apparatus capable of running on DCpower can be coupled to the battery 910 to receive power from thebattery 910 via the auxiliary output. As an example, a light can becoupled to the battery 910. As another example, an apparatus capable ofproviding DC power can be coupled to the battery 910. As an example, amaintenance battery charger can be coupled to the battery 910 via theauxiliary output to charge the battery 910.

The step-down transformers 912 a,b can reduce (e.g., step-down) thepower provided by the power distribution device 908 and/or the battery910 to provide a lower power to one or more devices that require adifferent voltage than the voltage output by the power distributiondevice 908 and/or the battery 910. That is, the step-down transformers912 a,b step-down the voltage provided by the power distribution device908 and/or the battery 910 to provide a step-downed voltage to outputs913 a,b. The step-down transformer 912 a can receive DC power via theelectrical connection 930 and provide the stepped-down voltage to theoutput 913 a. The step-down transformer 912 b can receive DC power viathe electrical connection 932 and provide the stepped-down voltage tothe output 913 b. The outputs 913 a,b can receive power from the powerdistribution device 908, and step-down the received DC power to providea lower power output on the outputs 913 a,b. Additionally, the outputs913 a,b can receive DC power from the battery 910 and step-down thereceived DC power to provide a lower power output on the outputs 913a,b. The outputs 913 a,b can output voltages of 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC,72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. In anexemplary embodiment, one of the outputs 913 a,b outputs 125 VDC, whilethe other output outputs 250 VDC. The step-down transformers 912 a,b canhave one or more indicators that indicate the status of the step-downtransformers 912 a,b. For example, the step-down transformers 912 a,bcan have one or more lights and/or displays that indicate the status ofthe step-down transformers 912 a,b. In an exemplary embodiment, thelights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The DC to AC inverters 914 a,b can receive DC power from the powerdistribution device 908 and/or the battery 910. The DC to AC inverters914 a,b can receive DC power from the power distribution device 908and/or the battery 910 via an electrical connection 934. For example,the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72VDC, as well as voltages ranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. The DC to ACinverters 914 a,b can invert (e.g., convert) the received DC power to ACpower. The DC to AC inverters 914 a,b can output the inverted AC power.For example, the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b can output the inverted ACpower. For example, the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b can output AC powerbetween 0-800 VAC or any suitable output. In an exemplary embodiment,the power distribution device 908 can output between 110-240 VAC. The DCto AC inverter 914 a can provide the inverted AC power to a device viaan output 915 a, and the DC to AC inverter 914 b can provide theinverted AC power to a device via an output 915 b. The DC to ACinverters 914 a,b can have one or more indicators that indicate thestatus of the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b. For example, the DC to ACinverters 914 a,b can have one or more lights and/or displays thatindicate the status of the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b. In an exemplaryembodiment, the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

While the electrical connections 920-940 are generally shown as directconnections between the various components of the system 900 for ease ofexplanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 920-940 can comprise additional components, suchas resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and so forth.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system 1000 for providing power.Specifically, as is explained in more detail below, the system 1000 isthe same as system 900 of FIG. 9 except that the power distributiondevice 1002 comprises the functionality of the variable frequency driveof 916 of FIG. 9.

The power distribution device 1002 can be any device capable ofdistributing power. Specifically, the power distribution device 1002 canbe configured to receive power from the AC to DC converters 906 a,b andto provide the received power to the battery 910, the step-downtransformers 912 a,b, the DC to AC inverters 914 a,b, and/or thevariable frequency drive 916. The power distribution device 1002 canreceive power from the generator 902 and/or the three-phase power supply904 via the AC to DC converters 906 a,b. The power distribution device1002 can receive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltagesranging from 100 VDC to 800 VDC. For example, the power distributiondevice 1002 can receive DC power from the AC to DC converter 906 a viathe electrical connection 922, as well as receive DC power from the ACto DC converter 906 b via the electrical connection 926. The powerdistribution device 1002 can provide (e.g., output) the DC power to thebattery 910 via an electrical connection 928. As an example, the powerdistribution device 1002 can charge the battery 910 via the electricalconnection 928. The power distribution device 1002 can charge thebattery 910, while also providing power to one or more additionaldevices. For example, the power distribution device 1002 can providepower to the step-down transformers 912 a,b and the DC to AC inverters914 a,b, while also charging the battery 910.

Further, the power distribution device 1002 can receive DC power fromthe battery 910. For example, the power distribution device 1002 canreceive 12 VDC 24 VDC, 48 VDC, 72 VDC, as well as voltages ranging from100 VDC to 800 VDC. The power distribution device 1002 can invert (e.g.,convert) the received DC power to AC power. That is, the powerdistribution device 1002 can invert the DC power received from thebattery 910, as well as the AC to DC converters 906 a,b. The powerdistribution device 1002 can output the inverted AC power. For example,the power distribution device 1002 can output 110 VAC, 120 VAC, or anysuitable output AC output. The power distribution device 1002 canprovide the inverted AC power to the transfer switch 1016 via anelectrical connection 1020. The power distribution device 1002 cancomprise an internal transfer switch. The internal transfer switch canbe capable of auctioneering DC power that is received from theelectrical connection 922 (e.g., that is provided by the AC to DCconverter 906 a), the electrical connection 926 (e.g., that is providedby the AC to DC converter 906 b), and the electrical connection 928(e.g., that is provided by the battery 910). Stated differently, thepower distribution device 908 is capable of switching (e.g.,automatically) between power inputs received from the AC to DC converter906 a, via the electrical connection 922; from the AC to DC converter906 b, via the electrical connection 926; and from the battery 910, viathe electrical connection 928, in order to maintain a constant output tothe transfer switch 1016 via an electrical connection 1020. The powerdistribution device 1002 can have one or more indicators that indicatethe status of the power distribution device 1002. For example, the powerdistribution device 1002 can have one or more lights and/or displaysthat indicate the status of the inverter. In an exemplary embodiment,the lights comprise Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

The power distribution device 1002 can be capable of outputtingthree-phase AC power. That is, the power distribution device 1002 caninvert the received DC power to AC and convert the inverted AC power tothree-phase AC power, and output the three-phase AC power to thetransfer switch 1016 via the electrical connection 1020. The powerdistribution device 1002 can provide three-phase AC power from 0-480VAC. The operation of the power distribution device 1002 can be modifiedby programming. For example, a ramp rate of the power distributiondevice 1002 can be modified, as well as a terminal voltage of the powerdistribution device 1002.

While the electrical connections 1020-1038 are generally shown as directconnections between the various components of the system 1000 for easeof explanation, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that theelectrical connections 1020-1038 can comprise additional components,such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, breakers, switches, and soforth.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1100 forproviding power. At step 1110, power is received from at least one of agenerator (e.g., the generator 202 of FIGS. 2-5, the generator 702 ofFIGS. 7 & 8, and/or the generator 902 of FIGS. 9 & 10) or a battery(e.g., the battery 206 of FIGS. 2-5, the battery 602 of FIG. 6, thebattery 710 of FIGS. 7 & 8, and/or the battery 910 of FIGS. 9 & 10). Thepower can be received from the generator or the battery by an inverter(e.g., the inverter 204 of FIGS. 2-5, the inverter 604 of FIG. 6, theinverter 708 of FIG. 7, the inverter 802 of FIG. 8, the powerdistribution device 908 of FIG. 9, and/or the power distribution device1002 of FIG. 10).

At step 1120, if AC power is received from the generator, providing theAC power to a distribution hub (e.g., the distribution hub 208 of FIG.2, the control module). For example, the inverter can receive the ACpower from the generator, and provide the AC power to the distributionhub. As another example, the generator can provide the AC power directlyto the distribution hub. The distribution hub may provide the power toone or more devices. For example, the distribution hub can provide thepower to one or more power providing devices (e.g., the power providingdevice 216 a,b of FIG. 2).

At step 1130, the received AC power is converted to DC power, and the DCpower is provided to the battery. For example, the inverter can convertthe AC power to DC power, and provide the DC power to the battery. Thebattery can receive the DC power, and can charge the battery with thereceived DC power. The battery can provide power to one or more devices.For example, the battery can provide power to one or more devicescoupled with an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., the auxiliaryoutput 210 of FIG. 2).

At step 1140, if DC power is received, the received DC power is invertedto AC power. The DC power can be received from the battery by theinverter. The inverter can convert the received DC power to AC power.For example, if the generator is unable to provide power, the invertermay switch to receiving power from the battery.

At step 1150, the AC power can be provided to the distribution hub. Theinverter can provide the AC power to the distribution hub. Thedistribution hub may provide the power to one or more devices. Forexample, the distribution hub can provide the power to one or more powerproviding devices (e.g., the power providing device 216 a,b of FIG. 2).

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1200 forproviding power. At step 1210, power is received from at least one of agenerator (e.g., the generator 202 of FIGS. 2-5, the generator 702 ofFIGS. 7 & 8, and/or the generator 902 of FIGS. 9 & 10) or a battery(e.g., the battery 206 of FIGS. 2-5, the battery 602 of FIG. 6, thebattery 710 of FIGS. 7 & 8, and/or the battery 910 of FIGS. 9 & 10). Thepower can be received from the generator or the battery by a transferswitch (e.g., the transfer switch 302 of FIG. 3-5).

At step 1220, if AC power is received from the generator, providing theAC power to a control module (e.g., the control module 304 of FIG. 3,the control module 402 of FIG. 4, the control module 502 of FIG. 5). Forexample, the transfer switch can receive the AC power from thegenerator, and provide the AC power to the control module. As anotherexample, the generator can provide the AC power directly to the controlmodule. The control module may provide the power to one or more devices.For example, the control module can provide DC power to one or moredevices, as well as can provide AC power to one or more devices.

At step 1230, if AC power is received from the generator and the batteryis not fully charge, the AC power is provided to an inverter (e.g., theinverter 204 of FIGS. 2-5, the inverter 604 of FIG. 6, the inverter 708of FIG. 7, the inverter 802 of FIG. 8, the power distribution device 908of FIG. 9, and/or the power distribution device 1002 of FIG. 10). Forexample, the transfer switch can provide the power to the inverter.

At step 1240, the AC power is converted to DC power by the inverter, andthe DC power is provided to the battery. For example, the inverter canconvert the AC power to DC power, and provide the DC power to thebattery. The battery can receive the DC power, and can charge thebattery with the received DC power. The battery can provide power to oneor more devices. For example, the battery can provide power to one ormore devices coupled with an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., theauxiliary output 210 of FIG. 2).

At step 1250, if DC power is received, the received DC power is invertedto AC power. The DC power can be received from the battery by theinverter. The inverter can convert the received DC power to AC power.For example, if the generator is unable to provide power, the invertermay switch to receiving power from the battery. The inverter may outputthe inverted AC power. For example, the inverter may output the invertedAC power to the transfer switch.

At step 1260, the inverted AC power is received from the inverter. Forexample, the transfer switch receives the inverted AC power from theinverter. At step 1270, the AC power can be provided to the controlmodule. The transfer switch can provide the inverted AC power receivedfrom the inverter to the control module. The control module may providethe power to one or more devices. For example, the control module canprovide the power to one or more power providing devices (e.g., thepower providing device 216 a,b of FIG. 2). Additionally, the controlmodule can output either DC power, AC power, and/or three-phase powervia an output (e.g., the output 310 of FIG. 3; the DC outputs 406 a,b ofFIG. 4; the AC single phase output 506 a, and/or the three-phase ACoutput 506 b of FIG. 5).

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1300 forproviding power. At step 1310, DC power is received from a battery(e.g., the battery 602 of FIG. 6). For example, the DC power can bereceived by an inverter (e.g., the inverter 604 of FIG. 6). At step1320, the DC power can be inverted to AC power. For example, the DCpower can be inverted to AC power by the inverter. At step 1330, the ACpower can be provided to a variable frequency drive (e.g., the variablefrequency drive 606 of FIG. 6.) For example, the inverter can providethe AC power to the variable frequency device. The variable frequencydrive can convert the received AC power from single-phase AC power tothree-phase AC power. At step 1340, three-phase power is output. Forexample, the variable frequency drive can output the three-phase power.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1400 forproviding power. At step 1410, power is received from at least one of agenerator (e.g., the generator 702 of FIGS. 7 & 8), a three-phase powersupply (e.g., the three-phase power supply 704 of FIGS. 7 & 8) or abattery (e.g., the battery 710 of FIGS. 7 & 8). The power can bereceived from the generator, the three-phase power supply, or thebattery by a transfer switch (e.g., the transfer switch 706 of FIGS. 7 &8).

At step 1420, if AC power is received from the three-phase power supply,the received three-phase power is output. For example, the transferswitch (e.g., the transfer switch 706 of FIGS. 7 & 8) may output thethree-phase power.

At step 1430, if AC power is received from the generator, the receivedAC power is provided to a variable frequency drive (e.g., the variablefrequency drive 716 of FIG. 7) and the three-phase power is output. Forexample, the inverter can provide AC power to the variable frequencydrive, which converts the single-phase AC power to three-phase AC power.The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power. Thevariable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power to one ormore devices.

At step 1440, if AC power is received from the generator, providing theAC power to an inverter (e.g., the inverter 708 of FIG. 7 and/or theinverter 802 of FIG. 8). For example, the transfer switch can receivethe AC power from the generator, and provide the AC power to theinverter. The inverter can convert the received AC power to DC power.The inverter may provide the power to one or more devices. For example,the inverter can convert the AC power to DC power, and provide the DCpower to the battery The battery can receive the DC power, and cancharge the battery with the received DC power. The battery can providepower to one or more devices. For example, the battery can provide powerto one or more devices coupled with an auxiliary output of the battery(e.g., the auxiliary output 210 of FIG. 2).

At step 1450, the DC Power is output, and if the battery is not fullycharged, provide the DC power to the battery. The DC power may be outputto one or more devices. For example, the DC power may be output to astep-down transformer (e.g., the step-down transformers 712 a,b of FIGS.7 & 8) or to a DC to AC inverter (e.g., the DC to AC inverters 714 a,bof FIGS. 7 & 8).

At step 1460, if power is received from the battery, the received DCpower is inverted to AC power by the inverter. The inverter can providethe inverted AC power to one or more devices. For example, the invertercan provide the inverted AC power to the variable frequency drive. Atstep 1470, the variable frequency drive can receive the inverted ACpower from the inverter. The variable frequency drive can convert thesingle-phase AC power to three-phase AC power. The variable frequencydrive can output the three-phase AC power. The variable frequency drivecan output the three-phase AC power to one or more devices.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1500 forproviding power. At step 1510, power is received from at least one of agenerator (e.g., the generator 902 of FIGS. 9 & 10), a three-phase powersupply (e.g., the three-phase power supply 904 of FIGS. 9 & 10) or abattery (e.g., the battery 910 of FIGS. 9 & 10). The power can bereceived from the generator, the three-phase power supply, or thebattery by a transfer switch (e.g., the transfer switch 706 of FIGS. 7 &8). The power can be received from the generator, the three-phase powersupply, or the battery by a power distribution device (e.g., the powerdistribution device 908 of FIGS. 9 & 10).

At step 1520, if AC power is received from the generator or thethree-phase power supply, the AC power is converted to DC power. Forexample, the generator or the three-phase power supply can provide theAC power to the power distribution device (e.g., the power distributiondevice 908 of FIG. 9 and/or the power distribution device 1002 of FIG.10). The power distribution device can convert the AC power to DC power.

The AC power can be provided to an inverter (e.g., the inverter 708 ofFIG. 7, the inverter 802 of FIG. 8, the power distribution device 908 ofFIG. 9, and/or the power distribution device 1002 of FIG. 10). Forexample, the transfer switch can receive the AC power from thegenerator, and provide the AC power to the inverter. The inverter canconvert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter may provide thepower to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can convert theAC power to DC power, and provide the DC power to the battery Thebattery can receive the DC power, and can charge the battery with thereceived DC power. The battery can provide power to one or more devices.For example, the battery can provide power to one or more devicescoupled with an auxiliary output of the battery (e.g., the auxiliaryoutput 210 of FIG. 2).

At step 1530, if power is received from the battery, DC power isreceived. At step 1540, the received DC power can be inverted to ACpower by the inverter. The inverter can provide the inverted AC power toone or more devices. For example, the inverter can provide the invertedAC power to the variable frequency drive. The variable frequency drivecan receive the inverted AC power from the inverter. The variablefrequency drive can convert the single-phase AC power to three-phase ACpower. The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power.The variable frequency drive can output the three-phase AC power to oneor more devices.

At step 1550, the DC power can be provided to a step down transformerand output DC power. The DC power may be output to one or more devices.For example, the DC power may be output to a step-down transformer(e.g., the step-down transformers 912 a,b of FIGS. 9 & 10).

At step 1560, the DC power is provided to a DC to AC inverter (e.g., theDC to AC inverters 914 a,b of FIGS. 9 & 10). The DC to AC inverter mayoutput the AC power. The DC to AC inverter may output the AC power toone or more devices.

At step 1570, if AC power is received from the generator or thethree-phase power supply and the battery is not fully charged, the ACpower is converted to DC Power and the DC power is provided to thebattery. For example, the AC power received from the generator or thethree-phase power supply can be provided to the inverter. The invertercan convert the received AC power to DC power. The inverter can providethe power to one or more devices. For example, the inverter can convertthe AC power to DC power, and provide the DC power to the battery Thebattery can receive the DC power, and can charge the battery with thereceived DC power.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 1600 forproviding power. At step 1610, determine the loss of power of a device.For example, a critical piece of equipment can lose power. At step 1620,one or more cables associated with the device are spliced. For example,the one or more cable may provide power to the device, and the one ormore cables can be spliced by one or more cable clamps.

At step 1630, a portable power providing device (e.g., the system 100 ofFIG. 1, the system 200 of FIG. 2, the system 300 of FIG. 3, the system400 of FIG. 4, the system 500 of FIG. 5, the system 600 of FIG. 6, thesystem 700 of FIG. 7, the system 800 of FIG. 8, the system 900 of FIG.9, and/or the system 1000 of FIG. 10) is coupled to the one or morespliced cables. For example, the portable power providing device can beelectrically connected to the one or more cable clamps.

At step 1640, power is provided to the device via a battery (e.g., thebattery 206 of FIGS. 2-5, the battery 602 of FIG. 6, the battery 710 ofFIGS. 7 & 8, and/or the battery 910 of FIGS. 9 & 10) or a generator(e.g., the generator 202 of FIGS. 2-5, the generator 702 of FIGS. 7 & 8,and/or the generator 902 of FIGS. 9 & 10) associated with the portablepower providing device.

FIG. 17 shows an exemplary system 1700. The control module 102, thetransfer switch 106, and/or the inverter 108 of FIG. 1; the inverter 204and/or the distribution hub 208 of FIG. 2; the control module 304 ofFIG. 3; the control module 402 of FIG. 4; and/or the control module 502of FIG. 5; the inverter 604 and/or the variable frequency drive 606 ofFIG. 6; the inverter 708, the transfer 706, and/or the variablefrequency drive 716 of FIG. 7; the inverter 802 of FIG. 8; the powerdistribution device 908, the variable frequency drive 916, and/or thetransfer switch 918 of FIG. 9; and/or the power distribution device 1002of FIG. 10 may be a computer 1701 as shown in FIG. 17 or can becontrolled by the computer 1701.

The computer 1701 may comprise one or more processors 1703, a systemmemory 1712, and a bus 1713 that couples various system componentsincluding the one or more processors 1703 to the system memory 1712. Inthe case of multiple processors 1703, the computer 1701 may utilizeparallel computing. The bus 1713 is one or more of several possibletypes of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, aperipheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, or local bus using any ofa variety of bus architectures.

The computer 1701 may operate on and/or comprise a variety of computerreadable media (e.g., non-transitory). The readable media may be anyavailable media that is accessible by the computer 1701 and may includeboth volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.The system memory 1712 has computer readable media in the form ofvolatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatilememory, such as read only memory (ROM). The system memory 1712 may storedata such as the power data 1707 and/or program modules such as theoperating system 1705 and the power software 1706 that are accessible toand/or are operated on by the one or more processors 1703.

The computer 1701 may also have other removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. FIG. 17 shows the massstorage device 1704 which may provide non-volatile storage of computercode, computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,and other data for the computer 1701. The mass storage device 1704 maybe a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk,magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memorycards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage,random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and the like.

Any quantity of program modules may be stored on the mass storage device1704, such as the operating system 1705 and the power software 1706.Each of the operating system 1705 and the power software 1706 (or somecombination thereof) may have elements of the program modules and thepower software 1706. The power data 1707 may also be stored on the massstorage device 1704. The power data 1707 may be stored in any of one ormore databases known in the art. Such databases may be DB2®, Microsoft®Access, Microsoft® SQL Server, Oracle®, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like.The databases may be centralized or distributed across locations withinthe network 1715.

A user may enter commands and information into the computer 1701 via aninput device (not shown). Examples of such input devices comprise, butare not limited to, a keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a computer mouse,remote control), a microphone, a joystick, a scanner, tactile inputdevices such as gloves, and other body coverings, motion sensor, and thelike These and other input devices may be connected to the one or moreprocessors 1703 via a human machine interface 1702 that is coupled tothe bus 1713, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures, such as a parallel port, game port, an IEEE 1394 Port (alsoknown as a Firewire port), a serial port, network adapter 1708, and/or auniversal serial bus (USB).

The display device 1711 may also be connected to the bus 1713 via aninterface, such as the display adapter 1709. It is contemplated that thecomputer 1701 may have more than one display adapter 1709 and thecomputer 1701 may have more than one display device 1711. The displaydevice 1711 may be a monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), lightemitting diode (LED) display, television, smart lens, smart glass,and/or a projector. In addition to the display device 1711, other outputperipheral devices may be components such as speakers (not shown) and aprinter (not shown) which may be connected to the computer 1701 via theInput/Output Interface 1710. Any step and/or result of the methods maybe output (or caused to be output) in any form to an output device. Suchoutput may be any form of visual representation, including, but notlimited to, textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like.The display device 1711 and computer 1701 may be part of one device, orseparate devices.

The computer 1701 may operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computing devices 1714 a,b,c. A remotecomputing device may be a personal computer, computing station (e.g.,workstation), portable computer (e.g., laptop, mobile phone, tabletdevice), smart device (e.g., smartphone, smart watch, activity tracker,smart apparel, smart accessory), security and/or monitoring device, aserver, a router, a network computer, a peer device, edge device, and soon. Logical connections between the computer 1701 and a remote computingdevice 1714 a,b,c may be made via a network 1715, such as a local areanetwork (LAN) and/or a general wide area network (WAN). The network 1715may utilize one or more communication protocols such as Wi-Fi,Bluetooth, or may be cellular network (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE)network, a 4G network, a 5G network, etc.). Such network connections maybe through the network adapter 1708. The network adapter 1708 may beimplemented in both wired and wireless environments. Such networkingenvironments are conventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices,enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

Application programs and other executable program components such as theoperating system 1705 are shown herein as discrete blocks, although itis recognized that such programs and components reside at various timesin different storage components of the computing device 1701, and areexecuted by the one or more processors 1703 of the computer. Animplementation of the power software 1706 may be stored on or sentacross some form of computer readable media. Any of the describedmethods may be performed by processor-executable instructions embodiedon computer readable media.

While specific configurations have been described, it is not intendedthat the scope be limited to the particular configurations set forth, asthe configurations herein are intended in all respects to be possibleconfigurations rather than restrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intendedthat an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possiblenon-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic withrespect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaningderived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or typeof configurations described in the specification.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations may be made without departing from thescope or spirit. Other configurations will be apparent to those skilledin the art from consideration of the specification and practicedescribed herein. It is intended that the specification and describedconfigurations be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit being indicated by the following claims.

EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1. An apparatus, comprising: one or more batteries; atransfer switch, configured to: receive AC power from an external powersource via a first electrical connection, provide AC power to aninverter via a second electrical connection, receive AC power from theinverter via a third electrical connection, provide AC power to anexternal device via a fourth electrical connection, and provide AC powerto a control module via a fifth electrical connection; the inverter,configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteries via asixth electrical connection, invert the received DC power to AC power,and provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the third electricalconnection; and the control module, configured to: control operation ofthe inverter, provide a first power output via a first output, andprovide a second power output via a second output.

Embodiment 2. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the firstelectrical output comprises AC power or DC power, and wherein the secondpower output comprises AC power or DC power.

Embodiment 3. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to provide the AC power to the transfer switch viathe third electrical connection when AC power is not present on thefirst electrical connection.

Embodiment 4. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the transfer switchcomprises an adjustable voltage proving time delay module configured tovariably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delaytrigger when AC power presence is detected on the first electricalconnection, and wherein the transfer switch is further configured tooverride a power selection of the inverter.

Embodiment 5. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein when AC power isnot available via the first electrical connection, the transfer switchis configured to provide the AC power to the control module via thefifth electrical connection.

Embodiment 6. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to: receive an AC input from the second electricalconnection, convert the received AC input to DC power, provide the DCpower to the one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteriesare configured to be charged by the provided DC power.

Embodiment 7. The apparatus of embodiment 6, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via thethird electrical connection while simultaneously providing the DC powerto the one or more batteries via the sixth electrical connection.

Embodiment 8. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein the external powersource comprises an AC power generator configured to be powered by atleast one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.

Embodiment 9. The apparatus of embodiment 1, further comprising awheeled container configured to hold the one or more batteries, thetransfer switch, the inverter, and the control module.

Embodiment 10. The apparatus of embodiment 1, wherein at least onebattery of the one or more batteries comprises an auxiliary portconfigured to provide external DC power or to receive external DC power,and wherein the one or more batteries comprise one or more of a LithiumIon (Li+) battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePo) battery.

Embodiment 11. An apparatus, comprising: one or more batteries; aninverter, configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteriesvia a first electrical connection, invert the received DC power to ACpower, provide the inverted AC power to a distribution hub via a secondelectrical connection, receive AC power from an external power sourcevia a third electrical connection, and provide the received AC power tothe distribution hub via the second electrical connection, wherein theinverter is configured to auctioneer AC power from the first electricalconnection and the third electrical connection; the distribution hub,configured to: receive AC power via the second electrical connection,provide a first power output via a first output, and provide a secondpower output via a second output.

Embodiment 12. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the distributionhub comprises a voltage indicator configured to indicate an AC voltagereceived via the second electrical connection, and an ampere indicatorconfigured to indicate an AC current passing through the distributionhub.

Embodiment 13. The apparatus of embodiment 11, further comprising apower providing device coupled to the first output via a cable, thepower providing device configured to: receive power from the firstoutput via the cable, provide DC power to a first output of the powerproviding device, and provide AC power to a second output of the powerproviding device.

Embodiment 14. The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein a first powerextension cable is coupled to the first output of the power providingdevice, and wherein a second power extension cable is coupled to thesecond output of the power providing device.

Embodiment 15. The apparatus of embodiment 13, wherein the first outputof the power providing device comprises a first plurality of poweroutlets configured to couple to one or more electrical devices, andwherein the second output of the power providing device comprises asecond plurality of power outlets configured to couple to the one ormore electrical devices.

Embodiment 16. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the externalpower source comprises an AC power generator configured to be powered byat least one of gasoline, liquid propane gas, natural gas, or dieselfuel.

Embodiment 17. The apparatus of embodiment 11, further comprising awheeled container configured to hold the one or more batteries, thetransfer switch, the inverter, and the distribution hub.

Embodiment 18. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein at least onebattery of the one or more batteries comprises an auxiliary portconfigured to provide external DC power or to receive external DC power,and wherein the one or more batteries comprise one or more of a LithiumIon (Li+) battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePo) battery.

Embodiment 19. The apparatus of embodiment 11, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to: receive an AC input from the second electricalconnection, convert the received AC input to DC power, provide the DCpower to the one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteriesare configured to be charged by the provided DC power.

Embodiment 20. The apparatus of embodiment 11, further comprising aremoveably connected jumper cable, configured to: receive power from theexternal power source via a fourth electrical connection, and providethe received power to the distribution hub via a fifth electricalconnection by bypassing the inverter.

Embodiment 21. An apparatus, comprising: one or more batteries; aninverter, configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteriesvia a first electrical connection, invert the received DC power to ACpower, provide the inverted AC power to a step-down transformer and avariable frequency drive via a second electrical connection; thestep-down transformer, configured to: receive AC power from the invertervia the second electrical connection, reduce the received AC power to alower AC voltage, and provide the reduced AC power to a first output;and a variable frequency drive, configured to: receive AC power from theinverter via a third electrical connection, convert the received ACpower to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power to asecond output.

Embodiment 22. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising areversing contactor configured to: receive the three-phase AC power fromthe variable frequency drive, modify a phase of the three-phase ACpower, and output the modified three-phase AC power to the secondoutput.

Embodiment 23. The apparatus of embodiment 22, wherein the reversingcontactor further comprises a switch, wherein the reversing contactormodifies the phase of the three-phase AC power based on the switch.

Embodiment 24. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein the variablefrequency drive is further configured to limit an inrush currentreceived via the second electrical output when a load coupled to thesecond output activates.

Embodiment 25. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein one or moreoperating parameters of the variable frequency drive can be modified,and wherein the one or more operating parameters comprise a ramp rate ofthe variable frequency drive and a terminal voltage of the variablefrequency drive.

Embodiment 26. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to provide AC power to the step-down transformer viathe second electrical connection while simultaneously providing AC powerthe variable frequency drive via the third electrical connection.

Embodiment 27. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising acontainer configured to hold the one or more batteries, the inverter,the step-down transformer, and the variable frequency drive.

Embodiment 28. The apparatus of embodiment 21, wherein at least onebattery of the one or more batteries comprises an auxiliary portconfigured to provide external DC power or to receive external DC power,and wherein the one or more batteries comprise one or more of a LithiumIon (Li+) battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePo) battery.

Embodiment 29. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising avoltage indicator configured to indicate an AC voltage output via thefirst output, and an ampere indicator configured to indicate an ACcurrent output via the first output.

Embodiment 30. The apparatus of embodiment 21, further comprising avoltage indicator configured to indicate a three-phase AC voltage outputvia the second output, and an ampere indicator configured to indicate athree-phase AC current output via the second output.

Embodiment 31. An apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch, configuredto: receive AC power from an external power source via a firstelectrical connection, provide AC power to an inverter via a secondelectrical connection, receive AC power from an inverter via a thirdelectrical connection, and provide AC power to an external device via afourth electrical connection; the inverter, configured to: receive ACpower from the transfer switch via the second electrical connection,convert the received AC power to DC power, and provide the converted DCpower to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, andone or more DC to AC inverters via a fifth electrical connection; andthe one or more batteries, configured to: receive the converted DC powerfrom the inverter via the fifth electrical connection, and provide DCpower to the one or more step-down transformers, and provide DC power tothe one or more DC to AC inverters.

Embodiment 32. The apparatus of embodiment 31, further comprising avariable frequency drive configured to: receive AC power from theinverter via a sixth electrical connection, convert the received ACpower to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power tothe transfer switch via the third electrical connection.

Embodiment 33. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to provide the AC power to the transfer switch viathe third electrical connection when AC power is not present on thefirst electrical connection.

Embodiment 34. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to: convert AC power to three-phase AC power, andprovide the three-phase AC power to the transfer switch via the thirdelectrical connection.

Embodiment 35. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the transferswitch comprises an adjustable voltage proving time delay moduleconfigured to variably set at least one of a voltage delay trigger or atime delay trigger when AC power presence is detected on the firstelectrical connection, and wherein the transfer switch is furtherconfigured to override a power selection of the inverter.

Embodiment 36. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteriesvia the fifth electrical connection, invert the received DC power to ACpower, and provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the thirdelectrical connection.

Embodiment 37. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to provide AC power to the transfer switch via thethird electrical connection while simultaneously providing the DC powerto the one or more batteries, the one or more step-down transformers,and the one or more DC to AC inverters via a second electricalconnection via the fifth electrical connection.

Embodiment 38. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the externalpower source comprises at least one of a three-phase power supply or anAC power generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline,liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.

Embodiment 39. The apparatus of embodiment 31, further comprising awheeled container configured to hold the one or more batteries, thetransfer switch, the inverter, the one or more step-down transformers,and the one or more DC to AC inverters; and wherein the one or morebatteries comprise one or more of a Lithium Ion (Li+) battery, a leadacid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo) battery.

Embodiment 40. The apparatus of embodiment 31, wherein the one or morestep-down transformers are configured to receive DC power, reduce thereceived DC power to a lower DC voltage, and provide the reduced DCpower to a second output; and wherein the one or more DC to AC invertersare configured to receive DC power, convert the received DC power to ACpower, and output the AC power to a third output.

Embodiment 41. An apparatus, comprising: one or more AC to DC convertersconfigured to: receive AC power from an external power source, convertthe AC power to DC power, and provide the converted DC power to a powerdistribution device via a first electrical connection; the powerdistribution device, configured to: receive the converted DC power fromthe one or more AC to DC converters via the first electrical connection,provide the converted DC power to one or more batteries, one or morestep-down transformers, and one or more DC to AC inverters via a secondelectrical connection, invert the converted DC power to AC power, andprovide the inverted AC power to a transfer switch via a thirdelectrical connection; the one or more batteries, configured to: receivethe converted DC power from the power distribution device via the secondelectrical connection, provide DC power to the one or more step-downtransformers, and provide DC power to the one or more DC to ACinverters; and the transfer switch, configured to: receive the invertedAC power from the power distribution device via the third electricalconnection, receive AC power from at least one of the external powersource or the power distribution device, and provide the received ACpower to an output.

Embodiment 42. The apparatus of embodiment 41, further comprising avariable frequency drive configured to: receive AC power from the powerdistribution device via a fourth electrical connection, convert thereceived AC power to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phaseAC power to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection.

Embodiment 43. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the powerdistribution device is further configured to provide the AC power to thetransfer switch via the third electrical connection when AC power is notpresent on the first electrical connection.

Embodiment 44. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the powerdistribution device is further configured to: convert AC power tothree-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power to thetransfer switch via the third electrical connection.

Embodiment 45. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteriesvia the second electrical connection, invert the received DC power to ACpower, and provide the AC power to the transfer switch via the thirdelectrical connection.

Embodiment 46. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the powerdistribution device is further configured to provide AC power to thetransfer switch via the third electrical connection while simultaneouslyproviding the DC power to the one or more batteries, the one or morestep-down transformers, and the one or more DC to AC inverters via thesecond electrical connection.

Embodiment 47. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the externalpower source comprises at least one of a three-phase power supply or anAC power generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline,liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.

Embodiment 48. The apparatus of embodiment 47, further comprising: afirst AC to DC converter of the one or more AC to DC convertersconfigured to: receive AC power from the AC power generator, and provideDC power to the power distribution device via the first electricalconnection; and a second AC to DC converter of the one or more AC to DCconverters configured to: receive AC power from the three-phase powersupply, and provide DC power to the power distribution device via afifth electrical connection.

Embodiment 49. The apparatus of embodiment 41, further comprising awheeled container configured to hold the one or more batteries, thetransfer switch, the inverter, the one or more step-down transformers,and the one or more DC to AC inverters; and wherein the one or morebatteries comprise one or more of a Lithium Ion (Li+) battery, a leadacid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo) battery.

Embodiment 50. The apparatus of embodiment 41, wherein the one or morestep-down transformers are configured to receive DC power, reduce thereceived DC power to a lower DC voltage, and provide the reduced DCpower to a second output; and wherein the one or more DC to AC invertersare configured to receive DC power, convert the received DC power to ACpower, and output the AC power to a third output.

1. An apparatus, comprising: one or more batteries; a transfer switch,configured to: receive AC power from an external power source via afirst electrical connection, provide AC power to an inverter via asecond electrical connection, receive AC power from the inverter via athird electrical connection, provide AC power to an external device viaa fourth electrical connection, and provide AC power to a control modulevia a fifth electrical connection; the inverter, configured to: receiveDC power from the one or more batteries via a sixth electricalconnection, invert the received DC power to AC power, and provide the ACpower to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection; andthe control module, configured to: control operation of the inverter,provide a first power output via a first output, and provide a secondpower output via a second output.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe first electrical output comprises AC power or DC power, and whereinthe second power output comprises AC power or DC power.
 3. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the inverter is further configured to provide the ACpower to the transfer switch via the third electrical connection when ACpower is not present on the first electrical connection.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the transfer switch comprises anadjustable voltage proving time delay module configured to variably setat least one of a voltage delay trigger or a time delay trigger when ACpower presence is detected on the first electrical connection, andwherein the transfer switch is further configured to override a powerselection of the inverter.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein when ACpower is not available via the first electrical connection, the transferswitch is configured to provide the AC power to the control module viathe fifth electrical connection.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe inverter is further configured to: receive an AC input from thesecond electrical connection, convert the received AC input to DC power,provide the DC power to the one or more batteries, wherein the one ormore batteries are configured to be charged by the provided DC power. 7.The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the inverter is further configured toprovide AC power to the transfer switch via the third electricalconnection while simultaneously providing the DC power to the one ormore batteries via the sixth electrical connection.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the external power source comprises an AC powergenerator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline, liquidpropane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold the one ormore batteries, the transfer switch, the inverter, and the controlmodule.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one battery ofthe one or more batteries comprises an auxiliary port configured toprovide external DC power or to receive external DC power, and whereinthe one or more batteries comprise one or more of a Lithium Ion (Li+)battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePo)battery.
 11. An apparatus, comprising: one or more batteries; aninverter, configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteriesvia a first electrical connection, invert the received DC power to ACpower, provide the inverted AC power to a distribution hub via a secondelectrical connection, receive AC power from an external power sourcevia a third electrical connection, and provide the received AC power tothe distribution hub via the second electrical connection, wherein theinverter is configured to auctioneer AC power from the first electricalconnection and the third electrical connection; the distribution hub,configured to: receive AC power via the second electrical connection,provide a first power output via a first output, and provide a secondpower output via a second output.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, whereinthe distribution hub comprises a voltage indicator configured toindicate an AC voltage received via the second electrical connection,and an ampere indicator configured to indicate an AC current passingthrough the distribution hub.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, furthercomprising a power providing device coupled to the first output via acable, the power providing device configured to: receive power from thefirst output via the cable, provide DC power to a first output of thepower providing device, and provide AC power to a second output of thepower providing device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a firstpower extension cable is coupled to the first output of the powerproviding device, and wherein a second power extension cable is coupledto the second output of the power providing device.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the first output of the power providing devicecomprises a first plurality of power outlets configured to couple to oneor more electrical devices, and wherein the second output of the powerproviding device comprises a second plurality of power outletsconfigured to couple to the one or more electrical devices.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the external power source comprises an ACpower generator configured to be powered by at least one of gasoline,liquid propane gas, natural gas, or diesel fuel.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 11, further comprising a wheeled container configured to hold theone or more batteries, the transfer switch, the inverter, and thedistribution hub.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein at least onebattery of the one or more batteries comprises an auxiliary portconfigured to provide external DC power or to receive external DC power,and wherein the one or more batteries comprise one or more of a LithiumIon (Li+) battery, a lead acid (Pb) battery, or a Lithium Iron Phosphate(LiFePo) battery.
 19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the inverter isfurther configured to: receive an AC input from the second electricalconnection, convert the received AC input to DC power, provide the DCpower to the one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteriesare configured to be charged by the provided DC power.
 20. The apparatusof claim 11, further comprising a removeably connected jumper cable,configured to: receive power from the external power source via a fourthelectrical connection, and provide the received power to thedistribution hub via a fifth electrical connection by bypassing theinverter.
 21. An apparatus, comprising: one or more batteries; aninverter, configured to: receive DC power from the one or more batteriesvia a first electrical connection, invert the received DC power to ACpower, provide the inverted AC power to a step-down transformer and avariable frequency drive via a second electrical connection; thestep-down transformer, configured to: receive AC power from the invertervia the second electrical connection, reduce the received AC power to alower AC voltage, and provide the reduced AC power to a first output;and a variable frequency drive, configured to: receive AC power from theinverter via a third electrical connection, convert the received ACpower to three-phase AC power, and provide the three-phase AC power to asecond output.
 22. An apparatus, comprising: a transfer switch,configured to: receive AC power from an external power source via afirst electrical connection, provide AC power to an inverter via asecond electrical connection, receive AC power from an inverter via athird electrical connection, and provide AC power to an external devicevia a fourth electrical connection; the inverter, configured to: receiveAC power from the transfer switch via the second electrical connection,convert the received AC power to DC power, and provide the converted DCpower to one or more batteries, one or more step-down transformers, andone or more DC to AC inverters via a fifth electrical connection; andthe one or more batteries, configured to: receive the converted DC powerfrom the inverter via the fifth electrical connection, provide DC powerto the one or more step-down transformers, and provide DC power to theone or more DC to AC inverters.
 23. An apparatus, comprising: one ormore AC to DC converters configured to: receive AC power from anexternal power source, convert the AC power to DC power, and provide theconverted DC power to a power distribution device via a first electricalconnection; the power distribution device, configured to: receive theconverted DC power from the one or more AC to DC converters via thefirst electrical connection, provide the converted DC power to one ormore batteries, one or more step-down transformers, and one or more DCto AC inverters via a second electrical connection, invert the convertedDC power to AC power, and provide the inverted AC power to a transferswitch via a third electrical connection; the one or more batteries,configured to: receive the converted DC power from the powerdistribution device via the second electrical connection, and provide DCpower to the one or more step-down transformers, and provide DC power tothe one or more DC to AC inverters; and the transfer switch, configuredto: receive the inverted AC power from the power distribution device viathe third electrical connection, receive AC power from at least one ofthe external power source or the power distribution device, and providethe received AC power to an output.
 24. A method, comprising: receiving,by a transfer switch, power from at least one of a generator or abattery; if AC power is received from the generator, providing thereceived AC power to a control module; if AC power is received from thegenerator and the battery is not fully charged, providing the AC powerto an inverter, converting the AC power to DC power by the inverter, andproviding the DC power to the battery; and if DC power is received fromthe battery, invert the received DC power to DC power by the inverter,provide the inverted AC power to the transfer switch, and provide theinverted AC power to the control module.